Batteries Not Included

[Erthona]

note: thanks to billy, removed "the" from S. 4

batteries not included

If the dog were less stubborn
he, too, would survive

hours of inattention,
a few days without a cup of food
rolled into a bowel, (don't get this)

a week of play
without the trouble of sleep

or guided tours of the block
with their pauses at the stop sign. (is with their)

I think we need batteries
(I think the heap nestled at my feet, panting, needs batteries)
for the heap nestled at my feet, panting;

an adapter to plug him into the wall,
remove for some company on the porch
and charge at night. (then of an)

Sometimes, he could be left alone (then for sometimes)
all weekend without having to worry
about bathroom breaks, restless legs
and how the house will change (or instead of and)

with bite marks on the couch, (no for with)
an odor in the bedroom
and a set of teeth at the door, (don't get "set of teeth")
begging for an answer.

I'm thinking or insistent scratching at the door, begging for an answer.



Dale