Friends of the Field
“ Always knew it wouldn’t last” said Homer.
“ What do you mean?” asked Kyber.
“ Our freedom. This place used to be our kingdom. We could roam about, pee against the trees, do the things we are designed to do”.
Kyber peered anxiously around the neighbourhood. This wasn’t good for his nervous system. This constant feeling of being on edge, this fear of being watched. He hated when Homer became all maudlin. He wanted to talk about the new comer on the block who by all accounts fancied him but Homer was on his soapbox this evening.
“ You know what happened in America don’t you?”
Kyber had never been to America but then again neither had Homer but god damn it Homer has ways and means of getting news transported across the Atlantic.
“ No I don’t know what happened in America, “ he grunted.
“ Well once it was made law many people simply got rid of our kind…..they were sent back to the homes and in some cases, “ Homer lowered his voice “ some poor chaps were never seen again.”
Kyber gasped. His fears solidified in his throat rendering him speechless. Could this be the beginning of the end? He liked it here. He loved his family. He had plenty to eat, lots of exercise, a bath once a week, trips to the beach. This was his idea of heaven and he didn’t want it to end.
“ You have read the signs haven’t you Kyber?”
Kyber couldn’t read. It was one of those things. The letters just scrambled in his brain and meant nothing. However Homer made a point of reading every sign. He prided himself on being educated and relayed all the details in a sombre voice.
“ A fine of 1290 euro, if we are caught doing it”
Kyber shook his head. Where would he get that sort of money?
“ Who would fine us?” he asked. I mean these signs have been here for quite some time and well we are still getting away with it.”
Homer licked his lips as he was wont to do when had some juicy gossip.
“ There have been rumours about committees.”
Committees. The very word conjured up images of austere people sitting around a table discussing his imminent demise.
Homer paused, secretly pleased with his effect on Kyber.
“ Yes special committees to oversee the law of the land. And seeing as the law of the land has been passed they have the power to fine us. “
Kyber hung his head. He would have to think of something. Perhaps Homer would find a way out. As though he read his mind Homer spoke. He adopted the stance of a true oracle, his head held high as he spoke his words with certainty.
“ We are safe Kyber. All we have to do is not to be seen during the day. At night we can go out and nobody will see us. They will be inside watching the soaps, feeding their children. They wont even be thinking of us. “
Kyber liked it when Homer became more upbeat and had a plan. Still as they walked back home he couldn’t shake off his anxious feelings. He kept chewing on the word committees and it conjured up thoughts of an inquisition. Besides he didn’t like doing it in the dark. All those dancing menacing shadows scared him.
That night he went to sleep. And while Homer dreamt of chasing cats he dreamt of the lady from the poo committee, fining him. The only answer had to be a poop -a -scoop….now if only he could persuade his owner. He knew Homer would laugh. He had once said poop- a- scoops were not for real dogs, only for sissies. But he didn’t mind being a sissy, not if it got rid of the dreams. He would only have Homer’s wrath to contend with and he could cope with that. Just about.
© 2004 by Nell Sullivan