What I Keep

You are my human.
I cock an ear at your word.
I wear your pendant in my name.
I backpocket a chip with the way home,
though that I could never forget.

Mornings I trace your footsteps,
my shadow twinned to yours.
When you sit, I plant myself
like a sapling at your feet,
growing roots in your presence.

Your voice is my north star,
your hands map my favorite places.
I collect your smiles like tennis balls,
store them deep in my chest
where I keep my most precious things.

They say I am your good boy,
but they don’t know half of it—
you are my everything-person,
my always-home,
my heart’s own weather.