The doorbell rings and in a pavlovian reaction
the sleeping dog leaps to the threshold
barking, snarling, poised for combat,
warily assessing the danger of the intrusion.
The ego is an indefatigable usurper
who considers its proper (God-given) role
to be the judge and protector of every approach,
threatening or benevolent.
Whenever the householder’s particular sanctuary
is even mildly challenged, a button is pushed,
the alarm sounds, the watchdog leaps into action,
protecting its home and master.
Few, if any, can train their faithful dog
to ignore and betray its natural instincts.
The best that might be negotiated
is the point at which the command
is firmly assumed and established
by the master of both house and dog.
O child of God, humility is the eventual
quelling of the watchdog’s bark and bite.
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