Puppy
Poem
My family brought me home
cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and
said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with
me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially
the little girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me; they
gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all
snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several
times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash,
I'm very proud to say.
These are the things I'll not forget -
a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter - without my
family.
They used to laugh and praise me when
I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference
between the old one and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag, for
hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing
when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said I was out of control and
would have to live outside.
This I didn't understand, although I
tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one; they
said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things; I
wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely in the
backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to
keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter but
were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, and
then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some training as a
little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle
when I was all grown up.
"You only have one day left" I heard
the shelter worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?
Do I go home today?