Once upon a time there was a man
who fell in love with a dog. He began
to speak in growls and little barks
though no one really knew if the dog understood.
The man grew his hair and beard and spent
most days running around the woods
with his love. At night they stayed warm
beside the fire. People in the village soon
began to talk and worry, especially when the couple
went on dates to the local pub and were seen
strolling romantically along the riverbank.
Your love is not natural, said the villagers.
They'll never understand us, said the man
in dog language. Let's go home. Come on, boy.