DIFFERENT COMPANY

A Poem by Rene Velez

Walking the dog at night
in the suburbs is a mostly
silent affair. Just the sound
of two dog tags jingling,
leaving a small reminder
of Christmas in summer.

And on the clearest night
sometimes I may look up
when I walk. A bit of wonder
in the stars, looking for that
extraterrestrial light or two.

Sometimes, I may see deer
sleeping on the grass, well
camouflaged except for their
reflective eyes.

A neighbor once told me
they'd seen a bear at night.
I've never seen one and
I wouldn't want to be that lucky.
But I do see possum or
a hare from time to time.

a city boy walking a dog
in the suburbs at night. It
really hasn't changed me.
I still walk. I just keep
different company now.