Tell Me

Tell Me

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.