I stepped over and then stepped back
To bend at the knees and look closer
At the lizard with a torn tail and closed eyes
So (like anyone) I prodded his belly and
His tiny raptor fingers flexed out and
One tiny eye peeked open to make sure
I was not my dog (who I assumed was
The culprit in his handicap) and suddenly
I was eight again in my backyard pinching
His belly gently to set him on my palm and then
Giving him a quick kiss for all the memories
Then I strode to my backyard to the wall
That was too high for dogs to reach and
I set him on top where the sun is perfect