The Dog That Doesn’t Bark

I am the dog that doesn’t bark.

I do not howl.

I do not growl.

I watch 

and wait.

Never letting you know.

Always making you guess.

***

Sometimes you see me.

Mostly, though, you don’t.

***

But don’t be fooled.

I’m not so docile.

I’m not so passive. 

***

Patience may be my virtue,

but even that

doesn’t tell you 

who I am. 

***

I am the dog that doesn’t bark

I do not howl.

I do not growl. 

I do not make myself known

through talks and scowls.

***

I am, though, the dog that bites. 

and I can bite hard.

***

Don’t mock me, long

Don’t play me, long. 

***

I don’t play the part. 

I become the part. 

And out comes the fangs.

Not a threat.

But for real.