Absent Neighbours

 

Just as well it is winter

and miserably frigid, one

supposes. Puppies have to

become accustomed to all kinds

of weather, after all, and while

duty not yet calls them, we

take up the challenge 

as befits their human

companions since time

beyond memory to ease them

into the backyard ritual

of relieving themselves there

not in the house. They shiver

in the cold as we do, their

tender little paws abused

by snow and ice, but our

gratitude at performance

and our loudly effusive praise

delights them and us, both.

Just as well, then, it's winter

no neighbours out in their

backyards to hear our lunatic

whoops and yelps of

celebratory commendation.