Sunday afternoon

White gloved paw on my knee
body like a chenille throw across my lap
murmur apparent through ribcage and fur
like hummingbird wings against my thigh
watching the raindrops get caught
in the window screens like fish in nets
flashing silver in a sea of green
and always mimicking my mood
he breathes soft as young leaves
shuddering under the weight of small water
his black nose wet as newly turned earth