Early walk around the block this morning

Brought sight of no moving cars scoring

Flying thru stop signs without any pause

Or trucks kicking up dust - another sore



All was peaceful in the neighborhood

As it always could be and forever should

As it has been mostly for the past 25 years

In which this writer's lived - without fears



A peaceful quiet existence without tension

For neighbors tend to avoid complications

Even though one has an aggressive dog

Which sometimes attacks, stirring cogs



Upon that corner he so zealously guards

As tho none has business passing his yard

Protecting his home turf and all surrounds

Something he does against anyone around



Including cats and birds and even squirrels

But even mine's the same - teeth chiseled

And bared, the moment she sees motion

Of a squirrel scurrying up a tree, toting 



Nuts - he's found at base of tree on grass

Or perhaps some dry dog food passed

Over by the aggressive one on corner

(The one whose behavior lacks order)



Something mine has honed in, of late

Even tho motions of squirrels do grate

Upon nerves as she yanks leash and arm

Wanting to go after them all to do harm



But, thankfully, squirrels are much too quick

For even if she were loose, she couldn't trip

Them up, for they can climb with much haste

Leaving her staring up trees, high into space



Dumbfounded they got away from her so fast

And a little miffed - for her pride's been marked 

For she's been made aware there are some faster

Than her ... and that troubles her, as she's smarter



- Tristram



(c) Christopher W. Thomas

7:05am Friday, March. 27th, 1998