Mangy Dog

Huge mangy dog. Cat unwanted
now sing a song of laughter
man a wind of glorious intent

took them both in one day.
Four feet pad across the grass
unable to stir the snakes
too quiet under the moon

watching the commotion yet
to come. And it does.

The grizzly is not foolish to
show itself
not yet
and senses a hint of shadowy
moment
another creature walks.

The cat is alert to deathly smells.
Awakens from a barnyard drowse.
Listens
ears peaked
shifts uncomfortably. Meows
a warning to any stranger
daring to enter his yard.

Mangy hears the soft mewling
understands its meaning
raised as family from
years ago
kin in the remembering.

Then padded feet begin to run
at a pace soon followed by
shrieking yowls of hell
hair lifting from its palace of fur

startles the bear
stands up
sniffs the air
and decides to bide his time.
Another day.

© Richard L. Provencher