Be My Temple Dog Poem by Suzanne Hayasaki

When strangers come calling
Stall them!
Like the Sphinx,
Question them
Test them
Let only the worthy pass!

When crowds come raging at my gates
Hold them at bay!
Like the palace guard
Calm them
Cow them
Send them away!

When demons try to sneak through my defenses
Stop them!
Like the temple dogs
Detect them
Dispel them
Compel them to leave!

When someone comes rapping at my chamber door
Descend on him!
Like the raven
Alarm him
Arrest him
Fill him with dread!

Let no one enter me
But you!