Ways of being a Dane

(after Wallace Stevens)

I.

Whole-body, bob-tailed wiggle
diffracting waves in a ripple tank
rebounded and redoubled, refracted joy

II.

The drive to challenge
rising, whelming urge — interrupted
on the ground, scattered liver treats.

III.

You've taken the garbage out.
We are alone. Your scent fades.
You're back! That felt like forever!

IV.

When there is a soup bone,
Some meat still attached, sweet marrow inside
There is only the gnaw

V.

The most comfortable part of the couch
Perfectly warmed by your body
Mine, now that you got up.

VI.

A leaf dislodged, falls
Into our restless slumber
War is kindled! Defend the pack!

VII.

Find invisible magnetic lines
Aligned, only north to south
A satisfying shit.

VIII.

We journey to the store.
And come home again
having yelled at dogs from inside the car.

IX.

The red drive, rising urge
to chase, to challenge, to WAR!
Cease fire! Caetano is getting treats!

X.

A rolling snore
thunder across the couch-scape
rent is due.

XI.

Long strands of drool
reach to a puddle on the floor
please give me your food

XII.

You took my brother with you. I am not with you.
Brother, you’re back! How I missed you.
Let’s fight.

XIII.

A magnificent downward bow
Front paws on the floor, rear paws on the couch
From my raised ass, a decisive fart.

~ Charles Martinuzzi, 2026

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