When the Dogs Howl at Night

Was it a shadow from the eerie moonlight,
or the scent of a predator just out of sight,
or perhaps…
an unsettled spirit anticipating a fight,
causing the dogs to howl at night?

So…
Is it prideful ambition controlling your day,
or reckless indulging
to slumber your cares away?
What keeps you from hearing
the dogs howl at night,
Stealing away your chance
to make things right?

Answer these questions
if you can, or dare,
and I will try not to judge,
as is only fair.

Did you even notice the seed
when it first began to sprout,
or was your foot its executioner
while rushing about?

Were you there to witness
the young robin leave its nest,
or to just discard broken shells
and not even wonder its quest?

Would you have the stallion
gallop so it never slows,
or rather use a bit to control
the direction that it goes?

Would you want the lion
to roam free without fear,
or see the whip cracked,
while crowds stand n’ cheer?

And so…
Why didn’t you see the weary spirit,
before they lost the will to fight,
Yes, please tell me…
What kept you from hearing
the dogs howl at night?