A Little Domestic Tragedy

by William Doreski

The neighbor’s dogs have eaten him, leaving his clothing neatly folded on the grass. They did this because he penned them into a wire enclosure and never walked them, never played with them, never spoke with affection. He thought he loved his dogs, but he didn’t understand their needs. The Australian shepherd pretended to be hurt, and limped around howling, while the border collie assumed a worried expression. When their master entered the pen, they ran at him, nipped off his legs at the knees, and toppled him. A few grunts and munches later he was gone, leaving only a puzzled sigh.

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William Doreski lives in Peterborough, New Hampshire. He has taught at several colleges and universities. His most recent book of poetry is Mist in Their Eyes (2021). He has published three critical studies, including Robert Lowell’s Shifting Colors. His essays, poetry, fiction, and reviews have appeared in various journals. Stop by his website.