chico everywhere, it’s dogs at the broken robot cafe. a real canine soiree this wednesday afternoon. waiting in line, here comes a mud-brown chihuahua. we lock eyes, and his q. mark tail starts to wag. picking the little guy up, he’s light as a quail feather. maybe a few months old, fragile as a dried wishbone. in no time, i’m taken by fun-sized i like you licks; suedelike, velour softness. i’m giddy, drunk with joy. i wish i could tell him that he made my day. but alas, the barista calls. so instead, i let him down and offer up my sincerest, softly spoken woof adieu: be a good doggie. thanks for everything.
Beeper Peddle is a writer and healer living on the East Coast. She lives with her partner and their beloved soul puppy. Beeper writes about sorrows, lies, and deep loves. When you read her work, you will dip down into her heart and end up in all manner of body parts. Should you find yourself reflected in these words, it is merely coincidence; however, it does not surprise her you share the same heart. Find her at bethpeddle.com and @beeperpeddle on Twitter and Instagram
Nicholas Barnes (he/him) earned a Bachelor of Arts in English at Southern Oregon University. He is currently working as an editor in Portland. His poems have appeared in over forty-five publications including trampset, NonBinary Review, and Eclectica Magazine.
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