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walking the dogs at night-time

they hold themselves on padded paws
and do not speak of what they want;
we walk, three abreast, or four,
transition slowly out the door.

I bring nothing in my hands
no leash, no lead, and no demands
as through the snow they move like mist
(and carry with their mouths like fists).

so there are here two or three
animals besides just me
we do not speak, nor do we need
to call so that the others heed;

it's dark tonight, with solstice near
the trees are traced and cloaked with fear
and we three (or is it more?)
trip gently, softly, in the door.

-ka, 2007