Dog Day Heaven

Days of uncertainties, and hunger pains
a thin line of sharp ache along his stomach
scrapped to its bones from within and without
big longing eyes couldn’t fill the emptiness

on well-worn path trodden every day
he travels on in hope of some scraps
a kind look,  a gesture of kindness
he wants so much to feel their affections

he looks at himself on reflecting tin cans
he was handsome once, he thinks
the cans smell lovelier than they look
if only there is something inside, alas no

he sits there at the pavement
looking up at the people passing by
spare a dime, whispers the beggar near him
he looks away, he will work for food

a boy, a few years to being a man
stoops to look at him,
a mangy dog with tufts for fur
says hey boy, what’s your name boy…

he smiles into the darkest brown eyes
and slowly feels the warmth
his body fuses into one long happiness
dance, and his bare tail wags

he is not looking back, just memories
that travels like a shiver through his body
now covered in long golden sheen
fully back in his person, a Labrador

he snuffs in his sleep
his legs pumping, chasing rabbits
the boy nearly a man now
smiling, scratches him on his head.