Popular Posts

Tuesday 16 April 2013

The Night Security Patrol


The night security patrol -
that's Grant and Mischief II.
A university. Extensive grounds,
a six mile beat to be completed
twice or thrice a night.

The half-way point: a statue
of the venerable founder. Ghost-
like and silvery in pools of light
that move with clouds and trail
deep shadows in their wake.

Grant becomes aware
that Mischief's nose or ears
are on to something he has missed.
Grant lets him run on the long lead.
Mischief growls. Attacks the noble

founder. Will not let go his legs.

6 comments:

Leovi said...

I like the ghost that moves in the light of the puddles.

Mary said...

Ha, wouldn't THAT be a shocking experience when one is on patrol!

anthonynorth said...

A scary patrol, indeed.

Tommaso Gervasutti said...

Flashing picture. I enjoyed it swallowing it in a gulp!
Great enjambment in its centre.

Elephant's Child said...

Hooray for Mischief II. And I would trust a dog's eyes and ears over Grant's any day. Though a psychic dog could present special challenges - for itself as well as its handler.
Thanks Dave - smiling broadly here.

Dave King said...

Leovi
There's got to be something good about him, hasn't there?

Mary
I think he found it slightly embarrassing, but no more than that.

anthonynorth
Mmm, though not much scares him.

Tommaso
Thanks. really pleased you thought so.

Elephant's Child
Yes, he trusted the dog's eyes/ears over his. The dog does have some problems. It was a rescue dog.