Tantrum

by Vincent R. Pozon

The dog was disobedient today,
normally mannerly and unheard but
in the language of sad side glances,
she was defiant after the scolding,
she knew the fault but hugged the guilt,
bristling at the admonishing finger,
she made her dislike of the nearness
of my hand known, and felt the need to start
the rumble, express the threat of teeth.

We know the temper of a tantrum,
we have been that dog and in that room
knowing we are wrong and yet we snarl,
we dislike the nearness of hands
brandishing sense, we feel the need
to start a rumble and threaten the world.