And there were in the same neighborhood
Australian shepherds, Aussies, Lucy Dog
in particular, watching over her backyard,
on the lookout for cats come to kill us all,
especially the white tabby with the black tail,
and the foxes ignoring the privacy fence,
the obese opossum playing his calling,
belly down on the top rail, and the
Great Horned Owl, winged shadow,
and sometimes an unwelcome relation–
coyote or wolf claiming the alley, calling
Lucy to leave her food and water bowls,
her orthopedic bed, and embrace the wild life.
No, not today, thanks. Maybe later
should the treats run out . . .