fetch
the black dog sits
heavy on the chest
panting, panting.
you want to throw a stick
watch as off it goes
good dog
run, leave
don't come back
but no
there it is days later
staring, panting
ready to start over.
take it to a farm, the woods
dump it, drive off
fast, full speed
three days later
it's on the porch
snoring, yawning.
from alleys & snickelways
gurt, shuck, hairy jack
show up unannounced
plop down, stretch.
no omen but real
as any storm cloud
wanting to break loose.
every black dog wants
its day today yet
every day wants
to be dog-free.
the pills do nothing.
the drinks do nothing.
the walks do nothing.
the talks do nothing.
the black dog sighs.
the black dog waits.
not today, not today.