Dogs

I can hear the barking of dogs around their bed
I hear the release and then silence
Then I pretend to sleep
I'd rather on the ground than in your bed
I'll sleep on the lawn or stay up instead

There's a deep well that seems mostly empty
I stand at its edge and stare it down helplessly

Then I pretend to be alone
I'd rather on the ground than in your bed
I'll sleep on the lawn or stay up instead
Stink and sweat and moan and dream of different air
Too tired to think and too dumb to care

I wander out, my swollen feet
To whatever pond I can leave peacefully