Hound Asleep

What did that nose want
when it went outside and didn't come back in
until well after dark

braying against the wild
magic on the wind
fighting the urge to sleep

handled without hands
running without a gait
heavy breathing for too many purposes

that was the long daytime
perhaps ten years
during which travails demanded rest

but none was available
for the fervent hunt
driven by so-called instincts

whereas today there are calm dreams
on this never-ending night
undemanding for a forgotten sun.