It’s small, only a foot square,
and it isn’t for us. Instead,
the four-legged friends use it.
The bang as it closes signals an intruder.
Small legs scamper away from the dogs
who cry in surprise when they find spines
not fur. Limping back they press noses
into my hands looking for reassurance.
Wonder as they show the culprit
who walks from the wood pile
striding, confident that the dogs will leave.
Straightening I hear a chorus of owls as they
expand their territories ready for the nest.
Stars light the way and the moon spotlights
the ground. Grass glows a strange green
and resting chickens cluck contentedly.
Over all a consistent click beats like a heart
warding against the red and black fox.
A dog pushes it’s nose into my hand.
Is it safe? her eyes ask and I answer with a
reassuring pat. It is safe out here tonight.
This poem was inspired by the daily prompt – looking out the back door.
Kate Murray 
14 thoughts on “The door within a door”