Dog Park

She had stove top burners for eyes, and every word she spoke bubbled over slowly as if someone had left her too warm for me to get close. My gestures were tepid and careful, like a small boy meeting a strange dog, alone in a park. Calm and reserved. I presented compliments as if they were the back of an open hand for her to sniff, and my lips shook. Afraid that she would bite. She merely growled in disbelief; A rabid jeer at the quiet remark of an untrustworthy captor. She saw me as a threat, but never turned away. We were two animals looking for comfort; afraid to be burned and yet too hungry to let go of the flames. -James Kelley 2013, All rights reserved.