one small dog

the cops
are out there, gathered
around
a car.
there was a break in last night.
a gate
was left open
someone rattled
the door, shook the wreathe,
pressed
and pulled
trying to get in.
the cops are taking
finger prints.
things are missing from
a few cars
left unlocked.
they seem to be gentle
thieves,
careful not to break
anything
that's locked. the next
day
we set out the things
we no longer
want, the tvs, the stereos,
the shoes
and watches,
one small barking dog and hope
the thieves come back.