Urchin Quadruped

Found him
Rainy day in stairwell.
Barely able to look up.
Muddied.
Bruised or blood stained
In left hindquarters.
Did not want to look up.
Expecting only the worst.
Again.


No leash, tag, indicia
Of an Owner.
Seemed to be a whippet.
Racing dog. Miniature of Greyhound
Proferring sport of Kings
And gay mistresses.


Speaking gently
In the way I thought
Suitable for a sobbing child.
I stroked the pelt
A wonderful silvery gray
If cleaned up.
Fondled the throat area.
He liked that
Giving hint of the
Wide grinning yet to come.


I jerked up under the belly
Got him on all fours.
Soaking. Trembling.
But now…he wanted.
My charge and dependent for free.


The sunny days racing
Full tilt across Hyde Park
And alongside the Serpentine Lake.
Would come along in time.
Glorious energies restored with
Love,