The Rat and the Dog

I saw a dog kill a rat today

on the corner of Broadway and 78th

A duo of little gray things scurried away,

one met its fate: canine incisors

that refused to release him,

his mangled body contorted

gray and white fur awry.

The dog's owner tugged at his canvas leash,

"Let it go! Let it go!" he commanded

to no avail as the spectators stopped;

curious passersby;

New Yorkers deprived of wildlife on display.

The poor man was desperate now,

but likely because he was embarrassed.

Nobody concealed their horror

as the dog first let go the body,

now draining slowly of life.

Dropped on the unforgiving sidewalk.

The dog still would not leave.

Maybe he was scared, too?

Scared that the ghost of that ugly thing

would come to haunt him soon.

Slowly the crowd dispersed

and I walked, also, away.

We all left that unwanted creature cold,

lying lonely, dishonored on the pavement.

Lucky it was a rat, we think,

for we can't muster much sympathy for it.

The poor, sad little thing lay cold now.

Maybe to be buried soon

by a merciful garbage truck

or swept idly away.

3.16.10

new york city