You’re reading a good book
when the dog barks.
You startle—
a jolt of adrenaline, then gone.
She darts to the window,
back and forth, head high,
A low growl.
A half bark.
A yawn.
She grabs a ragged toy.
You find your place.
She settles under the table.
The wind quiets.
You read,
aware of every scrape and whisper
the house allows.
All three of Patricia’s poems really showcase her talent for capturing all of our senses and invoking our memories. If I had to pick my favorite of the three, it would be this one. I have been and am there at that moment. Looking forward to seeing more from this poet.