Last December, just beyond the windows
where we stand with wine, she clawed
for frozen apples in her new coat
beneath the tree the children climbed.
Just bred we guessed.
I just wanted to caress her muzzle and ears,
lower my face to her eyes,
say something as if she were a dog,
something fatuous and loving.
You laughed because I said
I would take anything she offered,
teeth or tongue.