dog

Valerie Worth


Under a maple tree
The dog lies down,
Lolls his limp
Tongue, yawns,
Rests his long chin
Carefully between
Front paws;
Look up, alert;
Chops, with heavy
Jaws, at a slow fly,
Blinks, rolls
On his side,
Signs, closes
His eyes: sleeps
All afternoon
In his loose skin.