Until - May 29, 2026

Gracie was always the silent explorer

a curious, wandering dog we’d lose

track of daily and frantically search for

until we bought some metal tags

that clattered when she walked

and clanged on her water

and food bowls

until one day while licking a plate

she pulled away, suddenly shocked

by the noise so much she stopped

eating and drinking for two days

until we purchased plastic I.D.s

that allowed her to resume

feeding and hydrating in peace

and sneak around the house again

until her hearing got so bad

she’d wouldn’t come when called

so we re-acquired metal tags

to help with her whereabouts

and now listen to her drink and dine,

by the clink of aluminum tongues,

move in tighter, noisier circles,

which should be the end of tagging

until . . .