“Next Door” Notification
(posted 5 days ago)
Happening near you:
Animal Control made a local sweep today
of hundreds of cats and dogs-
those without licenses on their collars
or an emergency contact present
who could speak human to vouch
for their legal status
were subject to detainment
and possible rehoming.
Witnesses say beloved family members
were snatched from parking lots
and sidewalks outside vet offices,
obedience training schools,
cat cafes and dog parks.
Some were at the shelter to submit final
adoption papers when they were intercepted.
Authorities are not revealing
where the abducted souls are being held,
whether they will be given a hearing
before being shipped back
to their birthplace (if known)
which of course they are unlikely
to remember, with people they do not know
One resident was quoted as saying,
“I’m just in shock.
This is not what I voted for.
My dog has all his shots,
he is an American breed,
he has never been aggressive
until they tried to throw him
in the back of the van
with masks covering their face.
Who knows if they are even legit,
they could have just stolen him
to abuse or sell him!
Can you imagine?”
If your best friend or fur baby
is missing, join the peaceful protest
happening outside the civil offices,
and if things go sideways
your best course of action
is to sit down silently
in the crowd. Gas masks
and passports are recommended.
10 thoughts on "“Next Door” Notification"
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Wow! This is so well conceived and executed, and the title is perfect. I was expecting something else (because of the title), and by the time I realized what you were doing I was deep in the poem and hooked. Well done.
Thank you so much!
Yes! Great framing of current events. I agree with Jennifer!
I appreciate that, thanks.
Austen! This is so good. Biting & witty & seriously sorrowful.
Thank you, Kevin.
great metaphor for our times!
Thanks, Linda.
I’ve been thinking about this poem for days. I’m always so impressed by how you capture these wild feelings.
Thank you, that means a lot. Wild times… Shew.