The Dog's Lament (Poetry)

He keeps repeating himself —
the same phrase over and over —
the intonation of his bark
hits the same note every time.

He must believe he has a point —
absolute faith to keep on complaining
clearly someone should listen —
he tries again and again.

He is so patient in his protest —
measures carefully the spaces —
the exact emphasis in every sequence
keeps the rhythm going.

There — he adds a sudden chorus —
shrill — staccato for a moment
he forgets himself and throws
away all discipline.

A pause ... then he picks up
the old melody — goes on grumbling
in triple-barks — fading
to just the odd reminder.