What the Dog Knows

from Field Stones
by Robert Kinsley

Wet nose is happiness
Dry nose is sorrow.

A bird in the mouth
is worth two in the bush.

Trace elements linger
at the edge of decay.

A hand open is pleasure.
A hand closed is pain.

Lie down with those of your kind.
Lie down with others and make them your kind.

Loll all bones for days on the tongue
it is the only room open in heaven.