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

[petec3638]

Mm Reads like the two strays, are going to set out on a journey together
Sleeping rough under the bypass. probably noisy; but the safest place around

[Betty Hermelee]

maybe, but it's still unfortunate and mostly unstoppable...Thank you for your review, most appreciated!
Warmly, B

[petec3638]

i THAUGHT LATER WAS THERE going to be a follow on
OR are you finished with them

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I remember some really poor days when I had just enough money to go to the store and either feed my cat or feed myself...the cat won.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks J... i don't think that's unusual... and many homeless prefer to stay that way... Thank always for your reviews
Warmly, B

[Kelly Scheppers]

You see more and more homeless people nowadays with dogs, wondering how they could possibly take care of another, beside themselves. I learned growing up that a house full of love has elastic walls. If only we could be more kind and tolerant of what other people go through just to get through another day.

[Betty Hermelee]

I agree with you Kelly 100%! they manage somehow and share with their buddies...Thank you for this, most appreciated...
Warmly, B

[John the Baptist]

A quite moving tale, this one. A homeless woman encounters a stray dog in the night and a wave of compassion sweeps over her for this unwanted animal. She obviously sees a connection between its lot and hers and wants to help him, but is uncertain as to how well he will fit in to her community of overpass dwellers. They fall asleep together, and she dreams of adopting him. Upon awakening, they begin to search trash bins for possible food. In the end we don't know if her companions accept him, but we are still stirred by her compassion.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear John
I'm glad you were moved by this one; I see this scene quite often where near where I live...in NYC they are trying to put the homeless in old hotels to get them off the street... Thank you for a very moving review!
Warmly, B

[Lorry]

They don't judge and show unconditional love to those that they hope will feed them and love them in return.....
If only humanity was like that! 😃

[Betty Hermelee]

very true Lorry, I think, especially homeless people need the love and so does the dog....two way street
Thank you dear friend
Warmly, B

[Grumpie]

Familiar, as my cat chose me one day. A very special bond is made this way.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your kind review
Warmly, B

[MCS]

I love this poem. Having worked with several dog rescue agencies, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply these animals deserve love and dignity. My favorite breed is rescue because second hand souls make first-class companions.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you, as always, for your fine reviews!
Warmly, B