Stray Dog

I’m number three

Since I met you.

I’m the third stray dog

That you’ve taken in.

You have shared your kind words

And stroked me

And scratched my chin

Making me yours.

I’ve been on your bed

Lying there on top of

Expensive white sheets

On my back

As you rubbed my belly

Making my tongue hang out

And my eyes go Chinese

And my legs go a-shaking.

I am the third

Stray dog

That you have shown love

And warmth

Feeding me toast with honey and peanut butter.

Never mind

My droopy eye

Or mangey skin

Nor my ill upbringing.

You took me in

And bestowed in me

Something pure

From deep within you

And I in return

Speak in soft words

As I circle around you playfully

The sun passing through

The open spaces between your limbs.

As you turn to listen to what I have to say

The sun frames your face

In just the right light

And your sweet smile

Makes me feel comfort.

I pull my black upper lip back taught

And proudly display for you

My sharp broken teeth

And give you a wonderful

Long

Canine

Lick.