I am the bridge

I AM THE BRIDGE

I am the bridge
the object of consolation
to the broken parts of this family

Mother stares into my eyes,
wondering
what father is thinking

Father holds my neck
imagining what his wife
will say to him at bedtime

Julie, the daughter
caresses my belly
after homework

Daniel, her brother,
chases after me
because he is a boy

Who asked to stay put
more often than his
body needs

So, at various times
they come to me
or I go to them

Always by instinct
I am Elliot
the family dog

— © Abraham Menashe