Even Dogs Give Apologies

If I could take it all back,
Trust me
I would.
But you know how a dog loves
A cat?
Just curls up alongside him
To stay warm,
But cannot express the need?

It’s okay if you want to explain
Your mistakes.
Fill in all the punch holes
After wind blows through them.
But you must say it
To yourself first.
Accept,

Like that bus ride after the fans went home.
Moon falling over gray seats,
Just you and the bounce in the cold.
No one is ever really at fault,
When a team plays.

Fireflies at dusk, if you ever held one,
Stop burning yellow if you clench.
The light goes out with the sun
While the rest still fly. Your parents still call.

But you cannot be a firefly.
Your life is dog curled ‘round a cat.
Dreaming of running, chasing, even biting,
With tufts of fur in teeth,
But instead rolls over,
Stretches.