One for the Dogs

I think he has a secret...

   Dogs
   Aaron Kramer

   Looking foolish next to the tree in a one o'clock rain:
   umbrella aloft, the leash in my other hand—
   I wanted my late-coming neighbor to understand
   that dogs are worth the expense, inconvenience, and pain;

   their tails are truthful, no coiled rebellion beneath
   a loving look; they are quick to kiss you, and quick
   to fetch for you, and —should you raise a stick
   threateningly—they are quick to show their teeth;

   and better still (but this I never revealed),
   when you bring downfall home, the death of a hope,
   their nonchalant manner does more for you than a drink;
   and best of all, when triumph's to be unsealed,
   such lack of respect they show for the envelope,
  —your fingers halt, the brain cools, and you think.