Tantrum

The dog was disobedient today,
normally mannerly, heard only
in the language of sad side glances,
she was defiant after the scolding,
she knew the fault but hugged the guilt,
bristling at the admonishing finger,
she made her dislike of the nearness
of my hand known, she felt the need to start
the rumble, express the threat of teeth.

We know the temper of a tantrum,
we have been that dog and in that room
where knowing we are wrong and yet snarl,
we dislike the nearness of hands
brandishing reason, we feel the need
to start a rumble and threaten the world.