Peering out between the feeble blades

of grass the winding weeds



He takes a deep breath and his

black eyes grow large with fear.



His white fur stands up on the ridge of his back

his feet grow numb.



He tilts his head, listening for the thunder.

Large drops of late night dew rest on his head.



He shakes the drops off and they

moisten his ears.



Tightly clutching a morsel in his teeth

he listens again.



Hearing nothing, he creeps beyond

the safety of the grass.



The gravel sinks its way between his

tiny, slender toes.



Tightening his grasp on the morsel,

he scurries across the road.



His feet grow tired fast

as he begins to worry that his belly will slow him down.



His heart is beating fast and

the wind dries his moist ears.



In the distance, he hears the thunder.

His eyes grow large.



The light appears and the thunder is

more than his small ears can bear.



It seems he is running too slow,

if only it weren't for his belly!



Running as fast as he can,

clutching his morsel



He sees the monster roll over the hill

out of the corner of his eye.



The monster's black hands roll

toward him.



Grabbing and trying to snatch him

under its paw.



He dashes one way,

and the monster the other.



The monster lets out a shriek

of anger and flees away.



He tumbles into the soft grass

on the other side.



He drops his morsel to

lick his feet and toes for a moment.



He can hear the thunder

grow quiet again.



He continues his walk home,

morsel in his teeth.



She'll be happy he has returned

along with his small gift.



She will know he loves her so