The dogs are barking now,
raccoons in the rocks—
chattering moon shadows
discussing the last of the Elbertas
they can’t see picked
in a bowl at the sink.
Stray Queensland waits
for daylight at the dog pens—
fell out of someone’s pickup
coming late off the mountain.
Then to the hitch rack, smell
of horse and hoof, sure
of a ride home. He knows
the dandy who can’t remember
where or when he lost him.
Loose four nights, pen door
open to food, his voice
grows deeper into the dark.
drycrikjournal 