Dogs under the bed

Terrified of thunder’s bark:

Are they right this time?

A butterfly lights

On, of all dogs, this one

Anointed spring king

Biting grass shoots,

A dog in an icy puddle

Tastes spring.

I can’t throw for shit!

A bitter disappointment

To my dog Harley

Old track through bare woods

Still after 500 walks

Fun for dogs’ noses.

Most satisfying:

Dogs breath steaming in sunlight -

Winter morning walk.

She sits, limp paw raised.

My hand gently seeks what hurts.

Thorn out she runs off.

Dogs in the thicket

While Brere Fox lopes down the road -

Treats them like giant pups.

In a woods near home

Overnight tenting alone

Dogs so bored they leave

Dogs trot up through woods,

The trail wet leaves or puddles:

Sear gray-brown winter