close enough

the dress isn't pretty but it's close enough
too many park benches on summer days
sweat stains
here on the back is a streak of almost-nothing
the dog that had left it is dead now
put down in a vet's office south of town
while the goodbye train bleated sadly.

the dog wasn't old but it was close enough
rheumy eyes and a bum ear
paw not right but on the mend
it was mourned
and buried on a hill under a wizened pine
tire swing swaying listilly
while a boy cried and asked if they could never get another dog
maybe a cat, not a dog.

the boy wasn't lonely but he was close enough
looking down the barrel of nine
ears too big
he'd grow into them by seventeen
but by then the damage would be done
and as he steals his first kiss he'll wonder what she sees in him
this boy with crooked teeth and those ears
my lord god, those ears
this boy who will die at seventy-three of a stroke
married to the girl he so fears
a girl who isn't shy but close enough
they'll be wed young under the wizened pine
unwealthy she in a sundress with too many wrinkles
and a faded stain on the back
they'll grow old together
lie sweating and happy on the hot days in june
living in a love that isn't perfect
but close enough,
close enough.