Appeared Defenceless

They were small and appeared
defenceless – until their first altercation.
Even their mother kept clear of slashing
teeth and the macerating snarls.

They shrieked vehemence, tore at
each other, sisters who had slept cosily
cocooned in a hug of benevolence –
yet here they would kill.

Five little girls, angels until jealousy
triggered this scene, too bizarre to
reason from their good looks,
too well concealed in their genes.

The Vet explained; these are real animals
just once removed from their origins –
not lap dogs trembling at the feet of
indulgence. But they will make great

companions; keep them apart, you will
see them become stable personalities,
and he laughed – that is, if they survive
the depths of your anxiety.

Cleo and Jane, Ticket and Lil’
became the best pals ever, but
Mariette rests still and silent in a
lonely grave beneath the trees.

She never forgave.
© I.D. Carswell 2007-01-19