We finally got around to celebrating Lisa’s birthday. I made an effort to find the ultimate present, but was thwarted again and again. Did you know that pet stores don’t sell dogs anymore?

Here’s the poem that I put together at the last minute. Lisa reminded me that the last time I wrote her a poem like this it was to say “Let’s go ahead and have kids.”

The thought has had me scaling the walls,
But today I caved and made some calls,
Drove forever and finally found
No “gifts” to be had at the store or the pound.

For what they had at half past eleven,
Was a cat or a rabbit or a shabby J7.
And though they all might be just fine,
What I wanted was a special K9.

You’re the world to me, I know that you know it.
So even when I can not show it,
I’ll give the gift that fits like a glove:
The bringer of unconditional love.

So birthday wishes will come true,
With help shopping from the kids and from you.
And sooner than later (I know I can’t fight it,)
You’ll have a new dog (but not before my Pilot.)*

*(We’re in the process of buying a new car, a Honda Pilot.)