This time the chicken
cooked and cut up
into boneless chunks
mixed in a bowl with long-grain rice
is for the dogs
sweet littermates
that have begun to show
signs of old age
a weakness in the joints
the need for something
more than their customary kibbles
for myself I keep the chicken bones
thrown in a pot
with carrots, onions, celery
Italian herbs
and simmered for an hour
in salted broth
the dogs seem happy
but I've come away
feeling I snatched the best part
of the bargain