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My tanka prose in Ribbons, Winter 2023, Issue 19, Vol 1, grateful to Liz Lanigan, Tanka Prose Editor.

Of Human Bondage

This is a story of two dogs; the first, a stray black mongrel, who lives in our neighborhood and behaves like a monkey. He leaps our gate and perches on our car. He has made the neighbor’s house his own abode, as the owner of the house is away. Every night and early morning he is seen, perched precariously on their parapet, bold and fearless. I’ve christened him Perch!

The other is our pet Rumi—a 13-year-old yellow lab, more human than dog: trapped by our love, neither free nor fearless. She shows no interest in other dogs but adores babies and youngsters. The only people she barks at are mendicants, beggars, and the garbage collector. Content to be with us, she loves to play catch-ball for treats, avidly listens to music, and greatly enjoys rides in the car.

I often wonder, “Who is happier—Perch or Rumi?”

perched on the wall
a parrot pecks
birdseed
breakfast in the garden
we drink winter sunshine

Well, this tale has a twist. On return from offshore travels, our neighbor adopted Perch. He no longer jumps walls; has a new name, a red collar, and a leash around his neck. I see him being taken for walks, trotting meekly alongside his master. The look he gives me is one of recognition. A small wag of the tail tells me that he remembers the milk and bread we fed him outside our gate.

this desire
to be a blade of grass
dancing in the rain
yet I stand tall and grim
dripping like the evergreen

(Title thanks to Somerset Maugham)