29/10/2023
When I looked into your eyes
A teared reflection I saw in your eyes
I felt this call, lonely and hollow
driving by the shelter, straight from the farm
with the smells of horses and sweat;
opening the door I reached for my charm.
There are no buzzers or bells, flashing lights or hellos,
just barks and growls, whines and wet noses.
Caution, submission, curiosity, anxiety
was the reception I received.
Each dog their own, to many to believe.
Up the next row, a quiet one, so strange, lying still, relaxed;
All had passed by; why get up, why try, all fools they are to beg
for a home. I don't get up, even for a bone.
"I like this one",
Which is that?"
"The shiny black dog with no response".
"Why her?
"She's so alone". "I looked past those tears and saw the reflection in her eyes."
Joe Arcangeli
2022