Whenever Ms. Mary paused their walks to scowl, pointing menacingly at speeders, Prince Charles VI gnawed the cord. A passing Bronco — sullying their walk with its recklessness — finally allowed the frayed leash to snap. The terrier sprinted toward brake lights. And Mary prayed lucky VII would stay until the end.

Leah is the recipient of an individual artist award from the Arkansas Arts Council and has been published in 101 Words and The Normal School.