Las Vegas

A flight attendant,
Ragged from jetting coast to coast,
Eyes the loud and jumpy bag on an old man's lap.
She trudges over to the elderly couple,
Unconcerned, enjoying ice cream.
While the airport slot machines behind them
Prompt passers-by to stop and spend,
And the loudspeaker squawks security warnings
(Please have your boarding pass ready)
And the names of those who are missing their flights,
(Will the Chesapeake Bay children's choir please report to Gate A13)
The attendant clears her throat and sets her chin.
She says that the dog having spasms in their bag,
Is very loud, and is likely to disturb the passengers.
The old lady, finished with her ice cream, smiles.
"Oh no, he's a very good dog."