“To Zoey” by Andrew Benzinger

Although her departure was thought long due,
Over the house descends a surprised hush.
Though home’s populace shifts from three to two,
Relieve grief with memory’s poignant flush.
Remember the time she chewed my toothbrush
To shreds the morning of Carmen’s wedding;
And the thunder that compelled her to rush
For cover in the basement’s safe bedding.
Did you tire of her incessant shedding?
Or were the rug’s wayward strands a welcome
Sight to your workweek-weary eyes, letting
You know of the serene hours to come.
Hours spent with her up on the couch, from
Lazy TV days to family stays
When I would join your motley crew for some
Time with a dear geriatric dog in PA.
Seen sadly little – still, it’s hard to write:
Good night, sweet Zoey. Goodbye and good night.

Andrew Benzinger is a sophomore hailing from Buford, GA who made a very refreshing switch from majoring in Computer Science to English with a Creative Writing emphasis. He enjoys reading and writing anything and everything, but stories rooted in psychological horror, surrealism, and the like are his go-to. He’s also a huge fan of the local live music scene and any new voices in Athens’ creative world.