off the chain

the stray dog
worries you as he crosses
the highway,
out of breath,
panting.
the cars dodge him.
horns blare.
he makes it to
the other side
of the road,
goes into the woods.
his ribs show.
his eyes
are dull.
he's lost, having wandered
too far
from home.
a path you've known
quite well.