Banged Up Pup

Took to me
No time at all
Damp stairwell
Downtown Memphis.
Sort of a Doberman
Mixed with standard Poodle
I think.
An attractive dark brown.
But matted with
muck of the streets
Near misses
And neglect.


The bath was a battle.


Called him Stormy.


And Stormy delighted
In many simple things
With me and
With friends who took
His fancy.
Tricks? Oh yeah.
Fast learner.
Smiling out his satisfaction.
In each performance.


I was just one small
Step from the streets myself.
On disability from a
Lumber Camp accident.
Mangled the left leg
Permanently.
Trouble with my claim
Six years ago.
And constant efforts to
Chisel away the amount.
Or to push upon me
Some silly excuse for a job.


At least with Stormy
The leg will get plenty
Of workouts.
Walks.
Exploration.
Encounters with other folk.
All with this foundling
Of chance.
And his big smiles.
And good fortune.