For Megan

I kicked your dog into space.
Truly, I am sorry.
Mars requested the best of his race,
and he was very charming.

As man’s best friend,
he licked my hand,
and offered me his hiney.
A contract, truly binding.

I kicked your dog into space—
Your anger is surely warranted.
I will bear it with quiet grace,
and pay for your astronaut license.

————

Abby Hays is a high school English teacher in rural Kentucky who writes poetry when she should be grading papers—believing every mediocre pen scratch is the next stroke of genius. She is profoundly lacking in accolades and is currently pinching herself.