Free write 1 (week 1)

I had a dream in New York City
A terrier—squat, wiry
we walked each other
he me, I him.
I wore my collar with splendid pride
as the terrier stepped daintily
on hind legs.
An Italian met us
didn’t like us.
I popped off
told him something about
the Catholic church and
tight leashes.
The hound yelped
you could see his breath
sick dog with yellow teeth.
Or was it me?

Now I’m awake
the dog still walks
toward my bed and
he wears a badge that speaks
authority.
Now his paw rests on my chest
opal eyes, he pants
my chest swells to raise his brown nails.

There is no cure for this one.
A whimpering sack of fur
begins to grow on my chest
tail between my legs
I raise up in bed
follow my canine doctor
four sharp teeth, good for incisions
and other things surgical

I’m waiting for him
to lay me down
to put me to sleep.