Change is Coming

The dogs look up to me knowing nothing of change.

Routine not uncertainty is in their DNA. Survival is key.

Adaptability is not a pending thought, only a must

Should the storm sweep familiarity away. The new dog

Dish will need some getting used to. Food accelerates

The process when a hunger arises. I, being cursed at times

With the human state of mind, foresee the abhorrent diffi-

Culty with that which forces me into the cavernous unknown.

Take the fire which consumed my apartment and belongings

Two weeks ago: The dogs had no second thoughts following

Me wherever it was we had to go. Mealtime for them would

Still be served at 2:30 in the afternoon—chicken spread over

Kibbles and Bits. I made sure their menu was secure. For me,

However, things have not been so easy. The other day, situated

In my new place and having spilled coffee on the kitchen floor, I

Remembered that I need to replace the bucket and mop. Then

I got to thinking about those photos and letters, all those fond

Memories lost. Oh, and crap, I forgot to notify the utilities, the

Bank, Social Security, the insurance company and the VA of my

Address change. I’m getting too old for this shit, and find it

Difficult keeping up with all of this. Mostly, given my age and

Tenuous physical condition, I worry about my dogs. They look

Up to me expecting consistency, unaware of life’s inevitable

And unpredictable changes to come. What do they care if I

Clean up spilled coffee with a mop and bucket or use paper

Towels instead? Damn, forgot the paper towels! That’s another

Thing I need to add that to my list!

Chris Hanch 4-11-17