Because of an August Heat Wave

The neighbors’ dog sprawls

across the gravel driveway.

Its leash is shredded tangles at its feet,

stake still hammered in the ground.

We’d given it water this morning,

just like they’d told us.

The brown grass and the dog’s

matted fur are stained red

from its split tongue. We stand, staring,

the glassy eyes stare back.

My brother’s tears evaporate

as soon as they leave his eyes.