guard dogs
belong only to their masters
mostly not truly loved
but fostered casually
to conduct the outward parade
of intimidation
and the vicious reality of injury

horses
eat grass and transform the sun
sustainably
into food and power
that hauls and runs and jumps
in the commerce of competition

guard dogs eat flesh
perhaps even grudgingly provided
by culled horses
if some mutual benefit
can be evolved

what profit to the guard dog
that with or without
the master's behest
it tears and cripples the horse?

guard dogs cannot eat grass
and when the horses
are driven away
what then shall they eat?

and what use
will the masters
have for them then?



1993nev2006