To shield ourselves from rain
That gustily needled the skin
We were together once again
Me and my canine kin.
Don’t think it’s one I call pet
It’s just that I couldn’t be aloof
Drawn together in one ill fate
I was with the creature under one roof.
Thoroughly drenched its bones shook
Its flesh the fleas feasted free
Its eyes were moist with a pleading look
Apologetic for forcing me its company.
Has ever love showered on it or a little caress
Does it pine for the heart’s glowing fire?
There was no trace of them carved on its face
The street pariah was forbidden to aspire.
Suddenly I wished the rain would go on
In a frenzied kindness I would hold it tight
Whisper in its ear ‘you aren’t alone,
we together can tide over the night’.