The last of the litter
an uncertain future confirmed
more with each sibling removed
by an eager adopter, pet lovers.
Not her this time
or the next or the next
what should happen? When is it her turn?
she shakes when I take her and her sister
covered in fleas, that weave
through her fur and puppy pink skin
an itchy reality for this little runt
Her sister crawls on my lap in the car
and I comfort her.
Ivy sits shivering, brave but worried, confused
she whimpers for attention that I don’t yet offer
trying to drive, but knowing
her future is secure, she wasn’t left behind
I couldn’t do that
Her sister, intended for another mother
as a gift, needed my assurance first
Ivy, the unchosen
would have my affection at last
and always thereafter
a reward for us both
Grace, an gift undeserved but hoped for