Puppy Diaries, Pt. 1

The runt of the pack,
you came home skin and bones, 
so we called you Hercules,
strong and unknown.
”What’s in a name?” You’ll hear others say -
We will contend 
an underdog needs a strong name.

I know nothing of mythology, 
but it’s a curious thing,
Google tells me this hero’s parents 
were Jupiter and Alcmene. 
She’s an earthly princess named for 
strength of the moon. 
He is a God, 
they made someone like you.

You’re tiny but mighty
and we are mere mortals,
but “Jupiter and the Moon” send me 
through a time portal. 
It’s the name of a song I wrote as a gift
for The Guy who now chuckles 
as you play and twist.
When we dated back then, 
I watched stars and night scenes,
I knew nothing of astronomy,
but liked curious things.
A planet and moon became friends in the night,
glimmered over our cities,
gave our lonely hearts light.
We made up our stories,
placed big plans and moved,
as they circled, we said
Jupiter fell in love with the Moon.

Eleven years ago today, we walked down an aisle,
now you’re in our home,
you’re both warm and wild.
I grin because I no longer
grasp meant-to-bes,
but your name chosen on a whim
seems to connect a few things.
Tonight when we sleep,
when the night sky is glowing,
maybe Jupiter and the Moon
will wink in their knowing.
They’ll glow somewhere around us
you’ll grow among stars,
bring strength here to build us,
new adventures are ours.