barking

I think about a new dog.
then think about
picking up after him
in the rain, the heat,
snow, sleet. him wandering
about for an hour
looking for the one
perfect spot, as i beg
him to go. I think about
the plastic bag,
the bending over, then
think no. maybe i'm
not ready quite yet
for the barking and chewing
of shoes and furniture.
of fleas and shedding,
of vet bills, of his short
life, then dying.
I think about his barking,
I may have just mentioned that.
I think about a new dog,
for a moment or two,
but quickly let it pass.