dame fortune
Oh selfish dog–
limping and weak,
beaten and battered.
once,
in another life,
you were venturesome,
never a traditionalist.
Oh losing dog–
why do i trace your resting place
with gentle hands?
why do i yearn for the fighting spirit
you never had?
dream of dreams,
you indulgent dog
never free as the bird,
never quick as the jaws of a snake,
never as agile as the cat.
Oh stumbling dog–
always falling short
or falling behind.
drag yourself into a shallow grave.
allow yourself respite
despite my indignation.
Reagan Bieligk is a poet and aspiring anthropologist whose writing regularly focuses on nature, politics, and womanhood. When not writing, she is often found deep in discussion about fashion, music, and history. She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but will be attending Loyola University Chicago as an undergraduate starting in the fall of 2025.