His eyes disquiet us.
Affectionate, devoted, eager
and intent, attempting to
ingratiate himself – or spring
But veiled with the suspicion
that would flare without warning
into defence, into attack, a flash
that bared those teeth in anger,
unprovoked; to bite the hand
that fed, that cared for him…
Blood and bruises, tetanus and shock.
The curtains draw a few more times,
drawn closed on tenterhooks and lies
by us who know, on him – oblivious –
who blindly licked and sprang. Or snapped.
Eyes wide. Days short. Disquieting.
A little, light and fragile thing,
but fierce, is coming to an end
Maintain the Advance! 