In a Perfect World
An idyllic Saturday evening scene-
on our street, little kids play
‘touch and go’. Excited shrieks
and laughter warm the chilled February air,
pavement alive with little feet's patter.
My neighbor’s Golden Labrador does it again:
he slips out just as his owner
drives through the tall, wide open iron gate.
Marley runs after the laughter-
playful, in his ferocious way.
Neighbor stops, engine idling,
and looks intently as a frightened child,
no more than ten, runs screaming in terror.
In hot pursuit, teeth bared, barking
with all his might, Marley obviously
enjoys the chase. I command the dog to stop
as I reach the child, his body trembling.
I look at my neighbor's eyes - waiting.
He lowers his lashes, shifts the gear,
tells his help to get Marley, and goes on his way.
In a perfect world, a little child would not know
the meaning of terror and passive cruelty,
all in one breath. He would not have to feel
less valued than a pricey, crossbreed dog.
17 February 2016
Catie Lindsey's In a Perfect World Contest
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