“The Chain Bound”

Please god, let there be a heaven for dogs

particularly, the ones left to rot

in ninety-degree weather,

nothin but a half-dead shrub for shade.

Even with it,

the chain link boa constrictor will choke em out

for the act of pursuing relief.

Let em step off the property line

exist without the pretense

of something less important than man-

build a door

with a child behind it,

it is important they get to experience

the excitement of welcoming someone home.

Lastly,

give em

a chance of vengeance.

I don’t know if I agree with revenge-

but let them, just once,

bite the hand that fed them

instead of flinch.