Low hum, muted growl Chain on the floor, not pulling, still I smell the run, I feel the spark Front paws ready, I don’t start No word said, no hand raised I stop myself like I’ve been trained Teeth still sharp, jaw still tight I don’t need to prove my bite I learned the line, I learned the pace Standing still in a safer place I tilt my head, then look away Had a sound, but let it fade Nothing wrong, nothing said Just a quieter way to stay Good dog Still here Good dog No fear Good dog On my knees Not pulled down Just eased Eyes still bright, I see it all Every move, every call Questions parked behind my throat I don’t bark, I just note I used to jump at every sound Now I circle safer ground Not afraid, just aware Being small takes less air Nobody told me not to move I just knew what wouldn’t bruise I stayed calm, I stayed clean Felt easier than being me Good dog Still here Good dog Crystal clear Good dog Holding ground No leash tight No pull sound Didn’t bow, didn’t break Didn’t choose, didn’t shake Just leaned back step by step From the parts I never left Was I quiet or erased Was it calm or just delayed Still alive, still in frame Still wearing the same name Good dog Still here Good dog Still us Good dog Same floor Same heart Less noise No chains snapped No teeth shown We didn’t change We just stopped trying
