Dog

Approaching the Exchange Club Park
A skinny black dog falls in step with me
A few yards behind. Each time
I glance back, he stops, ears stiffening,
But resumes his trot when I begin
Again. He's panting, it's 102 and humid,
And I'm thinking what's best for him,
I can't have him follow me around
And then back to Mother's,
Throw his hopes in with me when I'll
Be leaving tomorrow. But first things
First, as I spot a large cup
In a ditch, fill it brimming at a faucet,
Bring it back to him, saying
Hello Baby. He runs. I follow, set
The cup in an oak's shade, but he's gone,
His possibilities multiplying,
As he's off, nose first into the world.