Dog and Squirrel: Steps in a Flirtation

The bushy flick of your tail

catches my attention.

            I am aware of your presence,

            but I am ignoring you.

 

You are now my bull’s-eye.

This will be a fine game.

            It may be a game,

            but I set the rules.

 

Whenever you lower your guard,

I step forward.

            I never lower my guard.

            All escape routes are intact.

 

My body is an arrow

pointing at your heart.

            O large clumsy one,

            have you any idea how fast I can run?

 

I draw closer.

The space between us is nothing.

            Odd how the sunlight

            kindles your dark fur.

 

I can taste the silk of your tail.

You can’t possibly get away now.

            I know the precise point at which

            I must flee. Still, those eyes . . .

 

Gaze locked, I pounce!

And you are . . .

            Gone, of course.

            My heart pounds! See you tomorrow?