It's a Dog's Life

When the spaceship splashes down in a fanfare

of eerie sounds into the lake, I share

an incredulous look with my dog Leo

while on our walk, which seems to ask: "Is this real?"

* * *

A door collapses inwards and stairs wend

their way to the shore. I tend

to think of aliens as little green men

but these creatures are different.

* * *

I'm not sure how they communicate

without mouths. But somehow, they translate

their desire to find the best that our planet

has to offer on their short visit.

* * *

I wrack my brain to narrow down

the many choices around town.

Food is out, unfortunately, since they have no mouth

and tropical island getaways are too far south.

* * *

Music concerts are hard to get into even

for humans, and I don't believe in

waiting at the long lines in Disneyland--

I don't think they'd understand.

* * *

I look down at Leo again and he looks up at me,

and the concept becomes apparent very easily.

I let them pet my dog and he licks their hand

and I think in the end, the visitors understand.

* * *

Love is a concept that you can't see or touch--

The best of what Earth offers, and I told them as much.

There's nothing better to show in the end

than the love of humanity's loyal best friend.