The Kill

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a groundhog has been burrowing through our yard
snacking on clovers / dandelions in summer sun
gnawing on dogwood bark / twigs
parading through wild bergamot / little ones parading
foraging raspberries / blackberries returned for spring

this morning our three dogs cornered / killed him
third time they had a run-in this month
my daughter wailing at the sight
tripping down stairs / took all four of us to stop them
they fought over his body / tug of war
each / one end of him / in their mouths

it made me wonder about prey
why he kept returning / even after being warned
reminded me too of hunters / relentless until ruin

efforts taken to domesticate / predator
name them / feed them / house them
pretend / they are not / the killing kind

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