Stinky surveys his kingdom as the dogs pace the floor below.

They whine at me to come down from my voyeuristic perch at the top of the landing; seem concerned as I balance between stairs, crouch and try to remain unseen.

I wave them away as I navigate the wooden slats of the blinds, angling for a better view, aware that any movement or sound will set the object of gaze on alert and send him fluttering back into the crate.

He is distracted however, this fledgling bird of prey, by the neighbor across the street trying to start his lawnmower.

The dog’s whines are muffled behind the string pulled grunts and start and stop sputters and I hide in the noise, exist in this blind spot.

Become invisible in the chaos.

Capture and freeze frame him with the muted click of an electronic shutter.

I start down the stairs, content with my shot and see myself reflected in the eyes of the waiting hounds.

Realize, they have not been shooed away.

Realize, they have remained waiting and watching.

Realize, it is I who has been freeze framed.

Realize, I am the one who has been captured.