I
I think it a clever
pre-emptive move when
I order him a vest
with the stitched message:
"Please Don't Kick The Dog."
No need to tell you
how that works out.
So I take the vest back
to the fire pit and he and I
watch it burn.
II
I take my dog for a walk
and, tugging on his leash,
he pulls me along, nose
to the ground, wandering
here, there and everywhere,
stopping now and then
to strategically ***,
living an adventure I can
only remotely share.
III
My dog, seated, lifts a leg
to lick himself down there
and looks a little puzzled.
They're gone, of course.
I pat his head,
offer him a meaty treat.
"Sorry Butch," I say,
"I was only following the vet's advice.
Try not to hold it against me,"
then I offer up my hand.
Lick or bite? It's up to him.