Well, that sucks.

I walk my dog,

down the street.

He runs around,

his tongue hanging out.

The neighbor mows his lawn.

I give him a wave.

He waves back,

with a smile.



I walk my dog,

down the street.

He runs around,

his tongue hanging out.

I see a boy riding his bike.

I give him a wave.

He waves back,

with a smile.



I walk my dog,

down the street.

He runs around,

his tongue hanging out.

I see the ice cream man driving his truck.

I give him a wave.

The man doesn’t wave,

or smile.



He parks at the sidewalk,

and he opens the window.

He’s wearing a mask,

and reaches for something.

He pulls out a gun,

from under the counter.

He aims. He fires.

He shoots my dog in the head.



I stop walking my dog,

down the street.

He lays down,

His tongue hanging out.

I see the man drive away.

I give him a shout,

through puddles and puddles of tears.

“I’m telling my mom!”



And as the man drives away

in the protection of his mask,

he gives the boy a smile.