Wild Dogs in Nassau
By Rhonda J. Miller

Scents of sweat – people of all cultures
Eyes widen, nostrils flare in excitement
Paws pad their way through each stall
Of the closed straw market
Sniffing for the droppings of beef
And chicken patties
So spicy the saliva pools then drips
Down cheeks and tongue
People cursing, shouting, sticks hurled
Cowering, cringing, tail between legs
Growling, rolling of eyes,
Musky trail left far below
Running with a pack now
Lead dog taking nips from behind
Snarling, showing of teeth
Stomach fills with sweet
Rotted plantains, conch meat
Tin garbage cans knocked over
Contents spill, flies buzz
Howling late into the night
And life continues bright
As day inside the casino