NATIONAL POETRY MONTH - 2/30: CREDIT

You've done well
remarkably
considering your former ways

Trained yourself like
an owner 
with a rescue dog
new to this life of
calm
civility
tame behavior

You'd been
scampering after them
doggedly
for too many years
different names, faces, bodies
same end result:
no matter how obediently you sat
and waited
wide-eyed and ravenous
for acceptance
how sweetly you begged
or how many cute tricks you did
you were never charming enough
desirable enough
enough of anything
to compel them to take you home
excited to keep you
anxious to nurture
a forever companionship

You meandered
from one house to the next
scratching assertively at doors
that they wouldn't open completely—
crack but never let you in—
they could see you were hungry
but had no intention of
offering a full meal
a leftover scrap or two
but that's about it
cuz
strays who show up
barking desperately
exhibiting erratic behavior
trying to
pitiful their way into arms
that don't wanna hold them
hearts that don't wanna love them
trying to
make owners out of placaters
are always suspect
never welcomed

The goings-on
at that last house
were tragic
you left with too many
cruelty scars to count
knew you had hit
rock bottom

Time for new dogma

No more
sparse morsels
being shooed away
condescending pats on the head
splintered fingers from
clawing at dead-bolted doors
no more
spiritual euthanasia

And you've done well
credit is due

Finally spruced up
your weathered coat
tended to
your mangy esteem
found a safe home
within your own spirit
and taught your old-dog self
some beneficial new tricks
that finally get you
the respect and rewards
you deserve


©2013 Charlene E. Green