Pellets of darkened grey metal

Huddle together under mask of skin

Up against bone between tendons

Shifting with the steps and stride

The old dog strains to take

His brow is furrowed grumpy

And his broken teeth tell his tale

Of suffering and betrayal

Long before his rescue

Now regally endowed

He watches over his kingdom

While the jesters play to get his attention

Or avoid his wrath

Meals he used to hunt for

Now await him in this castle

Comfortable and home

His subjects just the squirrels

And birds that flutter all about him

Makes him happy in this place

Away from the thick metal noisemakers

Darkened grey projectiles make their home