Sometimes the foxes scream

Sometimes the foxes scream,
relentlessly.
I wonder if only I can hear them—
and then I remember my neighbours can too,
or... are they asleep?

As quick as the thought, they scarper.
I doubt myself,
and look to my dog,
curled up in a fever dream.

"Hey baby," I say. "Mama’s here."
She does not bat an eyelid
or lift her paw to mine.
I know she’s truly asleep.

And the foxes are gone.