off the chain

the dog
off the chain
runs
the length of
the dirt
yard barking.
snarling.
left out in
the cold,
the rain, all
night
and day,
sheltered
by a wooden
table.
a rag blanket
to sleep
on. his eyes
are red
with rage.
all night,
all day,
barking.
keeping everyone
awake,
afraid.
the world
is full of mad
dogs
off
the chain.