Because the dog is gentle,
He nudges the hands away
From his mistress. Hands
Had clapped together in faux
Anger near her back imitating
A soft slap. Then the dog sits
Next to the man who sits at
The computer. The dog’s
Mistress enters and gently
Scratches her husband’s back.
The dog gets up and nudges
Her hand away. Whether
Stopping pretend harm
Or a display of affection,
The dog monitors their
Behavior as if to say,
“She’s mine; he’s mine;
You’re both mine. Do you
Mind? “