Old Dogs and Old Men

They sit in packs in the park, recalling the times when they inspired fearful respect by their presence and inherent wildness as they went about their day, barking and growling, laughing and cursing, loudly audacious. Some snarls were practiced, some came easily, as they sought to fend off rivals and appeal to the ladies as dangerous boys. Now as they throw down their cards or painfully roll over to have their bellies scratched, the few ladies who notice murmur condescendingly “sweetheart” or “darling” and quickly move on in neither fear nor anticipation. So young dogs and young men, enjoy today’s sunrise, because tomorrow’s sunset will come.