We fell in love
with neighbors,
Shawn
Nikki
Jackson
Bacon
Ammo.
Through tears
we wrote love
drew love
said love
as best we could
to friends
across the street
but we forgot Ammo.
Lucky us
they still hung
our poems
and drawings
magnetic
to their fridge.
Their care happened.
Through Italian food
Franzoni,
shucked crab
big bags,
through Flash Mob
choreo,
through plumbing
miracles and no need
to walk on water,
through daily
driveway humor,
old car consultations
and high reaching
paint arms
on outside trim boards.
And did I tell you
they run a small business of
kindness and care?
But Ammo Franzoni, poodle sister
to Bacon Bass Franzoni,
how could we forget?
Ammo’s legs and lungs
sail miles each day.
She’s so flung.
Some giant
southeast wind
slings her curls.
Ammo, tiny fit bit,
disarms all arms
and warms laps
waiting.
Ammo like bullet
fast small.
Not painful.
Arrow sweet
straight to
hearts in hood.
Alas and woe
they moved.
“No, No, No.”
Left Juneau.
Reside now
holy cow
Valley Mendenhall.
Might as well be
Bering Sea
Isle St. Paul.
Sad story.
Hard to be glad
for that darn valley.
We try
but cry.
By Lin Davis and Mo Longworth. Juneau Dogs and Poets United for Neighborhood Love.
