their separate ways

the priest
exhausted by his
day
loosens his
collar
and sits on
the steps of
the rectory
after everyone
has gone.
a stray
dog wanders by
and sees
him, approaches
the slouching
father
and lets out
a small
yet pitiful
bark.
there is no
wag in his
tail, his tongue
hangs heavy,
his eyes are
sick and yellow
with fever.
he has no collar,
his paws
are raw from
roads traveled.
he curls
beside the priest's
shoes,
and sighs.
together they sit
as the evening
sky grows
dark, a chill
sets in the air.
then they both
rise and
go their separate
ways.