At the cold corner of the main street
A dog sat.
Petrified,
Sanctified,
The hazy sun had a very dim light.

Some bones were untouched,and
Some neighbourhood dogs were moon walking.
Their prying eyes lingering on those bones,and
The rain washed the sidewalks.

It was not bad at all,
Just that they saw dirty flies of blue membrane,
Droning over them.
But they knew,
The flies are to fly away.
With aftertaste of dried blood on their tiny legs.

A neighbourhood dog wished very much,
That he know those bones.
With fiery gunfiring eyes,
They came face to face.
In manners of a civilized canine race.

The neighbourhood dog started:
How are you?
And,
What you doing here?
I......am fff.....ine.
In confusion the dog replied.
Iam thinking of my pasts, thats what Iam doing,
He added.
Can you run or wag your tail?
The neighbourhood dog asked.
Now the dog was ashamed inside his dusty eyes,
And paused briefly to see the sky after the rain.
Ye...s.....I think I can.
But you know
I have not done that since many years,and
Iam totally glued to myself as you can see.
So,to be honest,Iam not sure really.
What on Earth are you going about?
The neighbourhood dog retorted.
You know;
Its just that my tail is heavy,and
My legs are weak,
Said the dog hesitantly.
Hearing this,the neighbourhood dog laughed,
Laughed a thunderous laugh,and said:
I know what you mean my brother.
I once like to think like you,
But now my tail is a rice plant swaying in the wind.
And my legs are stronger than the bones I chew.
So,stop sleeping in this cold corner,
Pick up those bones,
Sharpen your teeth,and
Get on your bloody feet.

The next day,the flies came for some more bones,
Bones with meat and marrow juice pouring out.
They certainly had expected.
But the dog was gone.
Even the scent of yesterdays' bone was missing.




Copyright 2006 Roshan Tulachan