3 Lawrence

The kennel almost gave up on you: the runt,
So small, fragile, always shaking and afraid.
You were supposed to be 15 pounds, but are only 5.
While other dogs run and bound, you prefer
The quiet of my study, and the peace of your tiny bed.
These others. They beg and paw and jump at neighbors,
But you? No. You simply observe and wonder
About tonight’s dinner and the nap to follow.
You sit on my lap and lick my face, quiet and little,
Calm, always needing and nearing sleep.
One thing however rouses you:
That hulking dog across the street who struts and preens.
No dog should have the right to be over 200 pounds!
So from time to time you yip and bark, 5 pounds of unbridled rage.