POEM - Murderous Cur

For the second time this year

Dogs got into the chicken coop

Last time the carnage was unimaginable

At least fifteen dead

Including all the Cuckoo Moran

            Of course the nice birds died

Just two dogs breaking necks

Not even for food

Just killing to kill

This time was more personal

I know these chickens better

What’s worse is I know the dog

We were kind to her

Played with her and fed her

But a dog is a dog

Always looking for a way in

Even when it looks relaxed and lazy

Half of my chickens are gone now

When I came out yesterday

To see the first intrusion

I threw a chair at the dog

It didn’t hit her

But she didn’t come back

At least not that night

Today was a different story

I left for work and she made her move

What matters is that Claire is upset

All she can do is hold the dying bird

Let the tears roll down her face

Spit out dismayed curses

Against the murderous canine

The chicken’s neck is broken

Only mostly so it hangs on

Convulses in Claire’s arms

Violently the hen falls

Flops on the ground

Then the movements stops

I go and grab the shovel

Dig another grave in sandy soil

Next to where the last victims lay

Claire lays the bird gently in the hole

I tell her she is a brave girl

That she is my hero today

Then I cover the grave

Hold her close and walk inside

She says she will be a vet someday

            And she will have lots of chickens

So I can come over and visit them

            Since all of mine keep getting killed