"Man Bites Dog!" Dog sues man. Man counter sues and slanders dog on social media. Dog files second suit for defamation and seeks to gag man on social media. Man appeals gag order and seeks to dismiss court proceedings. Dog files briefs and motions to continue legal actions. Man files motions to delay trial dates and jury selection. Dog seeks resumption of legal remedies. Man refusing to give depositions and stand witness. Appellate judges dismiss "Man bites dog trials". Headlines ..."Dog Bites Man!"

-cec

Hail to you oh mighty hound
with your nose close to the ground
sniffing out most every grannual
for the scent of mushroom annuals

Up the hills and in the creeks
soaking tail and muddy feet
charging fast through forest fields
undeterred, you will not yield

Loyalty and love of us
you dance around with happy fuss
to find a gift that aims to please
the fungi ours, you'd rather cheese

-cec

One said, "God knows best and will save us in the end."
The second said, "What if it's too late and the universe ends before God comes to the rescue?"
The third was a dog, with a hind leg scratching its side. It licked its paw, then howled at the wailing sirens.

-cec

The plastic bag can not be opened with fingers; scissors are a good option or you may find grape-nuts scattered over counter and under shoe. The crunch echoes under foot instead of between teeth, reverberating into the skull. Milk and yogurt dampens the effect with frozen blueberries coagulated in purple-blue clumps that a spoon pushes through the white waves cresting over tawny kernels of quicksand cereal 🥣. For good measure a seafloor of multi-grain flakes stabilizes this ocean of supposedly nutritious morning victuals. Where did those banana boat dingy come from?

-cec

True Platonic love —
Does not reside in the wind
or glass chimes it inhabits on a sunny day
It plays in the high harmony;
on breezes, thin glass and breaking sound
To a first time crush it sings
of mystery, leaping as up as legs carry
stops heart and catches breath
lingers in close carnal thoughts
trying to calm the chaos within
It never betrays or lets go, even
even night's shattered stillness
bows to the stars on strings
with amor for the music of the spheres

-cec