I saw him near this road,
When I was about to board.
I left him on its way,
And measured my college way.

It was evening when I returned,
I saw him lay as in way the same way.
I took pity which usually I don’t,
But I couldn’t leave knowing I don’t.

It was a stray one I believe,
As the scars were fresh on him.
With scribbling jaws he called,
For this man to watch.

I am not an animal lover,
Trust me I am not,
But I felt the blood on him,
And made a move to save him.

I fed him bread and I,
Led him space in the entrance.
With no time he started playing,
And started making me special.

I use to see him before,
And after college hours.
He was happy to see me,
With that innocent face.

After few days I noticed him barking,
For no reason stamping.
I found his eyes with an another,
Yes another on the other side of the road.

From that day he wouldn’t eat,
Nor go for sleep be it day or long night.
There was a revolt and eagerness,
I understood the reason for the freedom.

Though I never chained him,
Nor were the gates closed.
I chose to let him go,
For it was the time to go.

I never heard about him,
For few months and days,
But on my return from work,
On an Autumn evening guess what?

I saw him dead on the road side,
With all flesh flushed.
It was an accident,
Yes ,it was an accident.

Was my mistake to notice him?
Was my mistake to feed him?
Or was my mistake to let him go?
I think right now I can only lament .

Dedicated to the dog known and unknown.
Thala Abhimanyu Kumar