‘When you say nothing at all…’ 

I’ll be back soon, I promise, I tell you while leaving. 
We’ll go for a walk.
And you wait all the day
But I come home :
You bound up with a warm licky welcome 
And bring me your leash
As I flop in the chair and say
Not now sweetie, I’m tired.
You put your head in my lap and say nothing at all. 

Let’s go for a movie, I tell you one morning
The Return of the Dragon
You wanted to see it. Remember?
Its playing at the Inox and PVR too
The 6.30 show .
And if you like later, we can pick up a bite
At the Chinese next door.
You nod absent mindedly your head in the paper
And say nothing at all.

You wake up each morning
And wriggle and wiggle
Stretching up and squirming
With warm wake up sounds
Your arms outstretched upwards
Yours toes gently curling 
Your whole body smiles as
You say nothing at all

You come up behind me
So stealthily, quietly
In the middle of the day.
And give me a hug
A squeeze and a cuddle

I feel your love deeply
Though you say nothing at all.

That vase on the side board
The old one from China
Which has been in your family for hundreds of years
I’m sorry it’s crashed into millions of pieces
While dusting the house this morning I fear.
Though you look heartbroken and possibly shattered
You  turn away slowly, shrugging your shoulders 
Saying nothing at all.

There are times when you’re happy
Excited or frightened
Anxious and sad
Or just plain depressed.
Moments of anger, 
Delirious with joy
You share with me
Silently, soundlessly, quietly
Your eyes locked with mine
Saying nothing at all.