“Look out for the dog…”

Beyond any line of sight,

vanished up a lane

in this labyrinthine,

underground,

terrain,

his words echo out —

a sonic ripple stroked

against the air –

and find their mark.

Warning or instruction?

Unclear as compressed,

unspooling dark.

And then,

sudden as a ghost,

it appears –

the forewarned dog…

A great white beast,

indiscriminately splotched

in charcoal spots.

Prick eared.

Whip tailed.

Smooth fur, close-coated.

Just off the path, it waits…

Great rosy tongue, a‘lolling.

Shell-pink pale muzzle

upturned in doggy grin.

A creature far from

fearsome.

Continue in accord

through enfolding dark;

left arm slung over

the great dog’s muscled,

lambent,

milk-white shoulders;

draped across its thick neck;

until…

Until…

Furred flesh shifts and

shivers;

morphs;

transforms.

Exchanges canine shape

for human;

woman.

Tall, straight-spined;

strong, clear-eyed.

Tireless companion.

Fearsome guide.

Warrior.

Side by side,

press on as one —

together —

through the dark.

— C.Birde, 12/20