A Stray Dog Poem by Sandra Martyres

He wore a leather collar
Seemed to have a pedigree
Yet no one claimed him
He remained a street dog
One who barked incessantly
To announce his state of hunger
Or that a stranger was on the prowl
On all such occasions there were
The usual dog lovers around
To repond to his every sound
He was the general mascot
And everyone adored him

Children were greeted happily
With friendly licks and wags
He always shared their goodies
Biscuits, cakes and smoothies
He answered to many names
Which many considered strange
He was responding to the voices
He could have stayed in any home
Yet he preferred his usual spot
Near a lampost on the street
Except when it was very cold
He'd camp indoors for the night

This went on for a few years
He was part of the community
Despite his gypsy life style
He was a very polite canine
Never attacking any food until
It was formally offered to him
Then one day calamity struck
The mascot chased a petty thief
Who reacted very violently
He picked up stone and aimed it at
The dogs head leaving him dead
And the street in a state of grief