The scent of fresh water

The scent of fresh water
Drifted across the sand,
Hot to the bare foot,
Under a cloudless sky.

Boats out in the bay,
Cars in the parking lot,
Some garbage scattered on
The ground beside the rubbish containers.

Periodically placed signs indicating no lifeguard,
No alcohol, no barbecues,
Park closes at dusk,
Dogs must be on a leash.

Too late, he saw the dog,
Unleashed, sprinting towards his toddler,
The owner calling after him.
He ran, knowing he wouldn’t make it in time,
No object to throw at the dog.

The dog hit her hard,
Knocked her down,
Scratched her face. Blood flowing.
His little baby screamed.

He scolded the dog’s owner.
“Can’t you read the signs!?”
But he is just a puppy. A friendly puppy.
He was just playing. I’m sorry.

His toddler is an adult now.
There’s a small scar on her face, barely noticeable,
But a reminder.
He’s been looking for his revenge ever since,
But no mad dog has challenged him enough.
Not yet anyway.

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