I love her quiet presence

–  wide-eyed and expectant –

she lives each day without self-judgment

 

She is ready to play at any time,

faithful, affectionate and constant,

she delights in all life has to offer

 

people keep their distance from her breed

believing them to be vicious

when they merely mirror their human companions

 

they are mute and misunderstood

 

Once a mascot for 20th century America,

and even called “nanny dogs,”

Pits can sustain much pain without yelping

 

The language barrier rendered us speechless

but my Korean grandmother’s love for me was a quiet companion

playful, devoted and boundless