An empty can of dog food comes bouncing down
The stairs, announcing every step it takes
By clanging like a cowbell. Then “Cocoa Pup!”
I yell from the bottom of the stairs
“I told you to stay out of the trash can”.

He Appears at the top of the stairs with
A look that says “I don't know what you're talking about”.
So I pick up the dog food can and hold it up.
I say, “this”, As I carry the can back upstairs.

I put the can back in the kitchen waste basket
And turning to Cocoa I say, “Stay out of the trash!”
He wags his tail as if agreeing while I head
Angrily back downstairs to the rec room sofa.

I sit downstairs, watching television
And just as the action quietly pauses
I hear the cowbell clanging again.