THE HAPPENING

Two of a kind....

The Happening

 

He ambles in a blur, the dark of night

closes in as she views his white face, black figure

tangled hair, long and sleek

eyes cloudy with teardrops which fall to the earth

alone without collar, she believes he is a stray

she invites him to approach

and offers him her last bite of a half-eaten sandwich

the dog senses the treat and snatches it out of her hand

he sits beside her and nuzzles his nose in her lap

she offers a half-broken smile

 

She ponders the idea of whether to bring the dog to her nest, her friends,

home away from home

space is cramped, yet she is moved by this living soul

she proceeds to pet and cuddle with him

they linger, the two, like fast friends

then fall asleep against her knapsack on a cold concrete sidewalk

 

They awaken at dawn, a purple-orange sky greets them

in her dream she chooses to adopt this poor creature

cold and hungry, they hasten to find nourishment

that has been tossed into bins

she understands the dream is her choice, determined to keep him with high expectations that the two shall match well with her nest

under the overpass

a tenacious life of care and respect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Photo by free.tick.com
Thank you for reading

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

Tears run through this poem, emotions nudged to the forefront. This is such a sadly beautiful piece of writing: the finding of two living creatures needing what they can share when life hasn't given but love and companionship can.. and does. The finest writing, Betty.. as usual BUT - perhaps this has touch of something often forgotten, 'not all living men are equal.. nor is life for the almost absent..

Image.. almost too sad but - ticks the box in blood red.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Em…your emotions really surfaced in this poem, it touched my heart too…beast and man can find love and companionship…so much needed in this world….and can share their pain and compassion as well…..
thank you my sweet Em, I do appreciate you!
hugs and smiles🌷😊
B.🌹

[emmajoygreen]

Friends can share in such wonderfully wonderful ways even though distance is far to wide but, we manage, don't we! Wishing you a happy and peaceful new month, dear lady. :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you, and you as well, dear lady!!!
Bigger Smiles..xoxo

[Michael Sun Bear]

You really conjured old memories. While the homeless situation has become a true epidemic in Seattle, there was a time, when I worked downtown, that while the homeless were far fewer, I would frequently encounter individuals sitting on the sidewalk, leaning against a building, begging cup before them, a dog at their side. I would stop, greet them with a few kind words and a little money. But my focus would always be on the dog. I would try to ascertain: was it loved? Was it in good health? Did it show any injuries? How old was it? I worried about lack of vaccinations. Life on the street is hard for human and dog, but I completely understand that need for unconditional love.

[Pete]

we're all strays - searching for unconditional love. doesn't takes much to form an unbreakable bond - just being in the same place at the same time. great writing and clever storyline. can't help but think of all the joy and affection that milo brings to my life. quite telling and touching. bravo.

[Betty Hermelee]

Two wanderers meet and instant connection! isn't that what life is supposed to be like? Thanks Pete, always a great comment!
Warmly, B

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous. You bring this to life.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Thomas, much appreciated...
Warmly, B

[Kady R.]

Hii Bettyy,

Nothing like growing attachment towards any animal really. Both are in need but find refuge in eachother. It's amazing how in life if there is no person there that we can find peace either with the plants or the animals of any kind. True is we are never truly alone when we are lonely.

I love the vivid imagery in this poem with both the protagonist and her furry friend. It wasn't hard for me to image this happening either with all the homeless people we have in the world.

Very heartfelt poem.

Thanks for sharing🤗🤗🤗🥰🥰🥰

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Kady...so glad you enjoyed it! It Is pitiful how lonely people can be and who never return to their families.... Thank you so much
Warmly, B

[Kady R.]

I agree. Very sad indeed. Anytime Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

Always a pleasure
Warmly, B

[Soren]

In sadness comes tears of joy and out of poverty springs charity where loneliness breeds comradery, here resides hope. Most lovely Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

thank you Soren, always appreciated, love your words, always appreciated...
Warmly, B

[Soren]

You are most welcome

[Betty Hermelee]

Spoken like a brilliant poet!!
B.

[PaleWriter]

this is sad. your poetry evokes emotions...you're a great writer.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Sherry, much appreciated!!!
Warmly, B

[Neville]

Absolutely adorably lovely .. Methinks you have a heart as big as a planet dear Betty & twice as warmly .. Neville 🌻

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Neville, always appreciated, a fine review!
Warmly, B

[Sami Khalil]

What a beautiful and touching poem-story.
The message is of bonding between humans and animals even in our dire straits.
Adopting each other is of paramount love and compassion.
Sharing food, sleep and probably destiny brings life meaning and purpose.

[Betty Hermelee]

a beautiful review Sami and very compassionate as well
Warml
B🌷🌷🌷🌷

[Sami Khalil]

Wow!
You are welcome Betty.

[DIVYA]

Dear Betty,
I think she found family in the truest sense of the word. I love my cats to bits and deeply relate to this beautiful poem. Wonderfully written!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you my dear friend, always appreciate your reviews, take good care
Warmly, B

[DIVYA]

I always enjoy your writing, my friend. You're most welcome. 💐