The Sorrows of Rutherford, the Amazing Talking Dog

"Sit! Stay!" You pepper me with your commands.

I acquiesce. You push me to resist,

protest at the indignity. "Shake hands!"

It's my most famous trick, so you insist.

"I'm told that language, Master, separates

the beasts from men." The audience oohs and aahs..

"If words do not, then tell me what creates

a gap between us." Murmurs and applause.

We bow, you walk me off into the wings

and treat my question as rhetorical.

I know what makes me less. Two simple things:

The cage and leash. No metaphorical

response is needed, nor will one suffice.

This answer is sufficient and precise.