Raven

by Evelyn Rainey

Raven

My dog Raven

Foundling, changeling

Ancient God.

Like Hercules, his muscles

        Bulge and strain with

        Graceful pleasures.

In defense, his teeth like

        Titans against Ulysses.

His tongue, like water-nymphs,

        Playful and loving.

The Ennui Raven-god loaned him

        His colors and name

        And humor.

Zeus in Anger.

Apollo in Gentleness

Bacchus in Joy

Athena in a Race

Like Volkan’s bellows, he lies

        At my feet and

        Smiles his Cupid’s darts.

Like Janus, he will age

        And die and be replaced

        Again.