Remembering

Van parked out front.

I walk downstairs, passing dining room.
Ewa says to me, "where are the dogs?"
No "good morning" or "hello,"just--
'where are the dogs?'

Like Pavlov's dogs salivating
at the sound of a bell,
Eva's heart palpitates at the
thought of puppies!

I respond, he's not here,
I just drove the van home-
but when the dogs come again,
I'll let them in the room
to lick your face!

Her eyes suggest agreement.