In the Pool

by Bruce Morton
​
 for Stella

Standing in the deep end
Of the gene pool, I hold
My granddaughter in my arms,
Both of us dripping chlorinated
Bromide. She runs her pudgy paw
Through my matted chest hair.
"Opa, are you a dog?" she asks.
I dutifully wag my head, swallow
A laugh and bark a "no."

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Bruce Morton divides his time between Montana and Arizona. He is the author of Planet Mort (FootHills Publishing, 2024) and the chapbook Olive-drab Khaki Blues (FootHills, 2026). His poems have appeared in numerous online and print venues. He was formerly dean at the Montana State University library.

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