Doglike

When unleashed dogs spy each other

Out in the open plane,

There is no turning to go the appointed way.

Once their eyes have locked,

The canine protocol kicks in,

And they must go and greet each other

And sniff each other’s butts.

Then the alpha pecking order

Next must be established,

And, if there is not a fight required,

Or a mating frenzy,

They can politely be on their way.

But must it be this way with us?

Just because our eyes did meet,

Now do we have to follow suit

Like animals? Like dogs?

Will you now come and sniff my butt,

And think you know so much about me,

Whether to salute, or growl and bite,

Or hunch my leg in vain?

Let’s not go there!

Let’s be, not merely human,

But if possible,

More than that.

Let’s stay the course,

And live out a little dignity.

-jenn long