Love is

The hot pink tongue of a dog

can soothe your tears

and heal a broken soul.

The thump of a tail on the floor

can lift your spirits

and curl up the corners of your mouth.

Soft, deep brown eyes

can make your own eyes

crinkle and smile,

and the touch of your hand on velvet ears

can give you so much love and peace

in your heart

at that hole there

where no children laugh.