Around the block in darkness without even a moon

So hard to see the road or dog so just sung a tune

To keep myself company as I carried out my pledge

Of twice-daily walks around it from valley to ledge



Darkness creeps into soul to initiate lone thoughts

Makes you think about some things you hadn't ought

Dark images loom ahead in the middle of the road

Creatures of the night appear, some small as toads 



Others are larger, seeming to be foxes or small deer

But as you come closer to them, your heart full of fear

Pulling the dog ever closer to you, eyes about to tear 

The object takes on a clear shape, grimace turns to cheer



For the item which instilled such fear in you becomes clear

The long, dark shape sitting up a foot or more above tar near

Now fills itself in and the realization comes to you a wind

Has blown over a garbage container and now sits below chin



So you pass around it, giving it as much clearance as you can

Then, second thought consumes you and you turn around and

Give the trash container a good, hard, swift kick, sending it

Scurrying into the driveway from which it came, right quick.



Christopher W. Thomas

6:55am Tuesday 12/30/97