She’s at the dog park in the drowning humidity, 

Wanting conversation too badly to talk to her.

The only sweetness she’s tasted 

Is that warm merlot an hour ago.

The quakes come in her fingers 

As her dog bites that terrier.

It finally brings her conversation 

But one that’s full of anger.

She barks at the people apologetically

To make them speak her name.

Her hound just a reason to practice loving something,

Another thing she can’t contain.

The dog park will bring her love, 

She’s told herself for a while,

But these sets of white eyes 

Stoically dissect her and put her on trial.

She must think that kindness kills cruelty, 

That hope springs eternal,

But out here we’re all hyenas 

Grinding our fangs with our plight.

The howling we make will scare you, 

The love is slower than starlight,

The fear of being alone 

Never fully takes flight.