Cosmos Dog

The cosmos is barking
like an untrustworthy dog
this morning.  In the sound I can hear teeth
and sour breath, distant and pervasive
wherever I choose to stand
in the cramped house.  It sounds
like it’s outside both doors
and every window, possibly
even upstairs and in the cellar.

I wish I had some raw meat
to toss ahead of me today
as I go about my business,
but I’m out of food, out of options
in general. I have no children
to carry on for me, either,
if I’m taken today.  That may be
more blessing than regret, of course;
who would wish their aftermath
on their children is no idol of mine,
so I’ll take small comfort in being
all alone as I hear the snarling
approaching.  Whatever happens,

it will be the two of us, the cosmos dog
and I, who will see it together.
Whatever war we end up waging
will be ours alone to wage.

Good morning, life, routine,
cups of coffee, toast, shower,
dress, commute.  You’ll be my weapons
and I’ll pretend the dog can’t kill me
as I arm myself in chores and duties,
hoping the cosmos passes me by
to savage and piss elsewhere today.