Watch dog

The eyes follow me,

And every passer-by,

Tied to a lamp-post,

Helpless and cold,

With trust in humanity,

Fast losing its hold.

His fur now matted,

By sprinkles of snow,

Every footfall, every  sound,

Engenders fresh hope.

But his master's not there,

He just couldn't cope.

The chained lead now a shackle,

He must atone for his crimes,

Being loyal and trusting,

Having faith in mankind,

He'd kept his side of the bargain,

But that devotion was blind.

Someone has stopped,

Gentle hands touch his fur,

Searching for essential ID,

But his collar is bare,

No name and no number,

No evidence of care.

Scooped up in a heartbeat,

And hope is renewed,

Promise of a warm bed,

Love, comfort and food.

Animal or human,

Our needs are the same,

Just one caring person,

To assuage our pain.

,