• Life is lonely and food is rare,
    Barking at birds and sneaking through fences.
    Humans see me and point and stare,
    And chase me away from love and park benches.

    I dig through trash and hunt small rats
    Instead of lounging at a master's slippered feet:
    Well fed and warm and chasing cats,
    Nay, I must hide lest a dog catcher I meet.

    Shivering cold, fleas and ticks hid from the draft
    Burrowing in my fur and skin.
    I'd give anything for a blanket and bath
    And dry by the fire, a doggy bed to curl up in.

    I see other dogs walking, barking and tails wagging
    And pedestrians compliment the owners, pets recieving "oohs" and "aws"
    But kids stone and chase me with my tail dragging,
    If they'd just be a little kinder, I'd gladly let them shake my paw.