A sound goes off from the other room.
oh boy who's coming in to see me?
should I play it cool with a glance,
or abandon myself belly up?
Here she comes,
and goes.
that **** smelly thing
I get this a lot.
if I could I'd break that coffee ***.
Here he comes,
oh yes,
I'll get this going.
my tail should work,
faster, faster, and a look him in the eye
But the door opens.
"Out.  Go ***."
always the same, "go ***"
be grateful your spot is inside
Open door.
person on couch!
oh boy!
it's my turn!
man, I love you
please scratch here, yes here
and this is the life
So forgiving,
no matter
how we make them wait.

the smell was thick with sadness
and the sound was full of dung
the corridor of cages
filled with hopeful, empty eyes.
my dog was in there somewhere
waiting to go home,
I just had to find him
and know he was the one.

I almost couldn't make it out
myself.

he came inside the house
and on a blanket lied
not knowing this was permanent
not feeling he was home
not trusting he would be embraced
and never left outside.

he didn't have a name
that he could recognize

the vet declared neglect
but our hearts already knew
the only color in his eyes
was what he never knew

some medicine, a bath and food
began to lift his spirit
but lots of love and gentle hands
gave him ear to hear it;
the love that he could have,
the home where he can live,
and kindness that doesn't leave.
he now belongs.

and so do we.

I was composing
and lost my composure
when my composition
lost its position
as Hello said goodbye.
Late last night
my poetic plight
must not have been right.
So to answer myself
the measure of love
is put back on the shelf
for now.