ROOSTER DOGS

Each morning Keena cock-a-doodle-doos,
Pointing her stubby snout towards the sky
And letting loose a mournful yodel whose
Pathos prompts Gyp to emulate her cry.

Their duet lasts ten seconds at the most,
But it’s enough to start me from my sleep
Or in my dream to make me see a ghost
That’s howling in some darksome dungeon’s keep.

Then, just as suddenly, they cease their song,
Go back to sleep, relieved of agony,
Oblivious to what a minute past seemed wrong,
Yet leaving startled me in misery.

     Two dogs do not a ruddy rooster make,
     And that’s a bloody awful way to wake.

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