If sheep can chase each other
across the field and back,
stop to butt heads and
give chase again without
a sound between them,
save a pounding of hoof
on grass and dirt and
wooden planked walkway---
If two birds can play
in the puddle splashing
each other, banging breasts,
flying to the eaves and back
for another stirring of the water
without so much as a peep,
save the flutter of a wing---
If two cats can agree to licking
one another clean and
can decide who goes first
without a wink or a nod---
Then tell me,
what is so important about
hearing I love you.