dogs

they’ve run off to silence

the dogs

under beds, in closets

an overwhelming

lack of dogs.

an open window on an empty field:

no wagging tails

no drooling tongues

no sheading.

late at night

the refrigerator kicks in

the toilet runs 

but there is no howling.

there are no barks in our dreams anymore.

whining.

panting.

not.

1994