stray dogs

when you were
a kid.
a very long time ago.
there were
srtay dogs and feral
cats
everywhere
it seemed.
there was no
going down to
the pound or local
pet store
to adopt one,
to sign papers
and get shots,
to be interviewed
to see if you
and your
home was worthy
of having a cat
or dog.
you just set out
a bowl of milk
or water, or
a rib bone on
the front stoop
and the animal was
yours by dark
sleeping
beside you on
the floor with his
or her new name.