The Maltese Poet Lost Himself in a Book of Verse

A silky white face with button-dark eyes and a small black nose looks out from a cloud of soft, long hair. The Maltese poet wears a dark green velvet coat trimmed in gold leaf embroidery and a cream cravat. His small white paws, framed by lace cuffs, hold an old brown book open against his chest. The room behind him is warm and shadowy, with a stone column and a heavy curtain, which makes his bright fur seem to glow with its own quiet light. His white fur is painted with soft strokes of cream and gray shadow, so each strand seems fine and weightless against the dark green sleeve.

Maltese dogs are small, gentle companions that have been loved as lap dogs for many centuries. They are affectionate and playful, and they usually enjoy being close to their people. Their long, silky white coat needs frequent brushing, and many owners choose a shorter trim to make care easier. They can be prone to tear stains, and a vet can suggest gentle ways to keep the face clean. Because they are tiny, they should be handled with care and given safe places to jump and play.

The poet seems lost in thought, perhaps composing a verse about the glories of the afternoon nap. His soft, sweet face suggests a gentle heart full of rhymes. We hope the book includes a poem about treats, and that he reads it aloud to everyone.