Draw Two

stray dog drags its chain, stands warily at a distance,

tail wags like the metronome on Mrs. Crooks’ piano

you edge close, grab the end of the chain

dog barks, growls and charges

you stand firm, jerk its chain

it lays obediently at your feet, whimpers,

the dog guides you up the street,

stops at an empty house – door standing wide

contents emptied in a pile along the street for

scavengers to pick through before the city hauls it away

in the yard lies a red Draw Two, Uno card

the dog lays on the porch; you release it from its chain

call at the door – no one answers – you turn to go

stray dog blocks your way,

red Draw Two, Uno card at its feet,

barks, growls, you have no chain to jerk

9-10-23