Haiku - Delicate Companions

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Life is hard.  But with that comes contrast.  While we fight, and hunt, we do this as much for survival as we do it for those who tend us and cannot do those things.  To defend the defenseless, to protect our heritage and genetic pool and kin, to feed.  For much of human history, certainly in harder times, our emphasis was focused on other humans, our peoples from among the many peoples.  As life improved, at stages in history and certainly as it is now in America, we have been gifted with the wealth needed to extend our care, concern, love to other peoples and many types of animals.  If perhaps we... go too far at times.

I suppose it started with dogs, for practical purposes.  Dogs can help us hunt.  And, turning an erstwhile competitor into an ally cut down on competition and streamlined the hunt, added defenses at home, and gave us a friend.  If I had to guess, cats were next.  Being less useful, directly, they were not tamed to the level of dogs.  Then again, they weren't as much of a threat, so the need wasn't as acute.  Today, there are few animals, wild to very domesticated, with which some human has not kindled some sort of relationship.  From killer whales, wolves, and racoons to otherwise food animals now reserved as family members such as pigs, chickens, and rabbits, and on to the typical human companions such as dogs and cats, all manner of beasts, reptiles, and birds have become a beloved part of our lives.  This is about, and to, them.  An honorific haiku ode to our wonderful little friends.

This week, the contest theme is animal friends, companions.  Not limited to the ones in our homes, perhaps the goose that trusts to nest nearby or the owl who lives in your barn.  Not the food variety, mind you, unless you raise chickens merely as pets of course.  I would even limit the topic specifically to the good side of that relationship, mostly.  Some playfulness, accidents, and incidents which bring laughter, are allowed and encouraged.  An haiku ode to our dear feathered, furry, scaly, armored, or whatever companions.  The rules are simple, though the notion of throwing a spin on the last sentence, using a dash to set it off, and using seasonal terms, to include summer, fall, winter, and spring (among others as long as the meaning is close enough), is a bonus.  But really, 5-7-5, that is all you need.

Let the party begin.