2012 Poetry Month

Circling the Dog Park

CIRCLING THE DOG PARK
by April Halprin Wayland

“Circle,” James says.
So we walk the perimeter.
“You’re their Alpha Dog—they need to know where you are.

They have to look up, find you,
every few minutes.
It keeps ’em out of trouble.”

So we walk laps along the border of the dog park;
and sure enough, Lacey and Eli check on us,
just as he said they would.

Eli licks my hand and runs off,
Lacey barks happily,
chasing Eli back down to the last bench.

I suppose it’s like God,
circling the perimeter
of my life.

I have to look up, to find God,
religiously.
It keeps me out of trouble.

Poetry Prompt:

The dog park is a wonderful metaphor for life. A metaphor compares two unlike things without using the words “like” or “as.” For example, her smile isn’t like the sun (that’s a simile). Her smile is the sun. Dog park = life. Dog owner = dog’s God.

It’s your turn.  Look for a metaphor in your life.  Write a poem.  Write with joy.

2 Responses

  1. Sammy
    is the ringmaster
    guarding
    the perimeter
    of a circus
    of dogs.

    Hi April – your poem reminded me of my silly old dog, sam, who sniffs and hobbles around the perimeter of the dog park, while an exhibition of pure breeds and curious-looking mutts carry on in the center. – Hannah

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