Even here, the dog’s hair.
Already it lines my new apartment
seven thousand kilometers
from him. I shed it
from my sweaters, socks.
Sprinkle it like a breadcrumb trail
around the city. This morning,
I walk a different route to work, careful
to wind the threads of him through every alley,
tying little bows around the lampposts.
When he comes, I want him to find himself
everywhere in this new place.
I want him to take in its scent
and know home.

  for Ace and Cooper

Jay Aelick’s work has previously appeared or is forthcoming in The Journal, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, Door Is A Jar, Okay Donkey, nw{p}, The Quarter(ly) Journal, and elsewhere. They are one half of the St. Balasar University English Club podcast.