Cat and Dog on the Lamb

I:
A big ol’ tabby male called Zack,
Had grown up with Lady, the bitch.

Life in the pound around the back
Each time a dog or cat would ditch,

Was hell just like a prison break,
Till Zack and Lady did likewise

And busted out for all their sakes;
The inmates barking their goodbyes!

So on the road without a dime,
Their empty stomachs start to growl.

The two of them have done their time,
And stalk the alleys as they prowl.

Both start to plan on their first crime,
And thru’ the stockyards dodging beef

To reach the tracks to the big time,
And jump a boxcar - phew - relief!

To catch a breath, inhale the air,
It smells as if they’re headed west.

Zack nuzzles fur, we’ll make it there!
He likes the cur and smiles in jest.

They settle in to spend the night
As boxcars clatter rhythmically.

While Zack and Lady cuddle tight,
The starry sky floats endlessly.

II:
Until they’d reach their destiny,
With every stop the train would make,

The two would hide in eateries,
To kipe two plates of nickel steak.

Although it was the best they ate,
And living high than on a hog,

They had not met their hopes to date,
Of what life meant for cat and dog.

Through sun and wind and even rain,
Saw Zack and Lady fall in love.

For long days and nights on a train,
They found what they were both made of.

And one thing that they knew for sure,
They’d rather sleep on naked ground,

Than where they lived without a cure,
Or dignity, inside a pound.

At Union Station when, before,
They switched from freight to passenger.

So good it was to know the score,
They have arrived: Los Angeles!

A couple had adopted them
Who have shops on Olvera Street.

They love their pets, two lucky gems,
Who love to stroll and tourist-greet.

There won’t be any thoughts of crime,
Now Zack and Lady have a home.

They both are blessed each year this time:
The Blessings of the Animals.