Canine Noir

Let’s call you a bullet that healed what it hit.
And this dog knew some tricks, like how to play dead.
Used to sleeping on a torn up, lonely dog bed.
But the shot fired medicine that helped this dog sit.

From laying to upright, because it was bit.
This dog heard the truth of what the gun said.
A dog knows the hardest color to see is blood red.
And this dog’s heart grew so large, it no longer fit.

It goes without saying this dog released a howl.
You’ve replayed in your mind how this dog licked the gun.
You remember the way you and this dog snuggled close.
And though pained and oft crying, this dog just can’t scowl.
So you’re waiting to hear how this dog’s dog day is done.
And you’ll be waiting, she’ll be waiting, til this dog’s final dose.

Author Biography

Jillian Brall is a writer, musician and visual artist living in Brooklyn, NY. She co-edits the journal Lyre Lyre.