Inspired by F2.9, Ossaert and f3.9 Aka Manto

Demons, Dogs, and Men

We fear the unknown,
rush to fill vacuums
with chaotic conceptions,
premonitions presented as truth.

We imagine the possibilities
as soothing and sublime
or shocking and scary,

and, in guilt and complicity
we spawn devils and demons

who find us in the woods, in an alley, or
in a public restroom,
cautionary tales for our children, for women,
for the downtrodden,
do not seek more–

and for the powerful, fear–
the hobbled beast bites when it can,
so, beware–

and yet—

the whipped dog’s spirit who seeks revenge,
ignores the majesty of canine magnanimity
and makes them as petty as humans,
who reduce even gods to vengeful, jealous creatures.

Paul Brookes is hosting a month-long ekphrastic challenge using folklore images to celebrate the launch of his new poetry collection, “As Folktaleteller.” You can see the images here and…