Running with the Small Dogs

Small dogs,
small, frenzied dogs,
slender dachshunds, crazed chihuahuas,
tenacious terriers
and moist-eyed min-pins,
fearsome,
ferocious,
innocent
of the calm and steady natures
of your larger brethren.

Little, trembling dogs,
compensating for something?
There are people I could name
who crouch and growl
the same swaggering dance.

You leap, you shriek,
reveal sharp, tiny teeth
when I strut past so
boldly toeing the invisible
line of your domain

am I the highlight of your day?

When I defy your grand show,
dare to thrust my fingers
through the chain links
though your rising hackles warn me
will I get the angry, snapping teeth
or a swift, conciliating
tongue?