Rescue Dog - Tony Gardner

There’s no need to flinch when I lift my hand
No need to cower each time I stand
No need to run when I come near
No need to tremble, I see your fear.
You can sleep with both eyes shut,
Don’t need to jump when you wake up
Your food is yours to eat in peace
No need to fight to keep your feast.
No need to lie on the cold, hard floor
The beds and the sofas are yours to explore
Don’t need to sit out in the rain
The house is your shelter, your new domain.
I cannot erase the memories and fears
Cannot compensate for those awful years
But all that we have and all that you see
Is yours, ….you’re now part of our family.

Tony Gardner


Image : Pixabay - Alexas_Fotos

Angels - Richard Fleming

We helped him up and steadied him,
saw his wild eyes, spoke soothingly.
You took his arm, his state was grim,
and smiled, nodded approvingly.
Though taciturn, he made it clear
he simply wished to disappear.

We took him home. He lived nearby:
a tall, unlighted terraced place.
He went inside, without goodbye,
and now I can’t recall his face
but that night, passing, it was right
to minister as angels might.

Richard Fleming

The Beggar - Ian Duquemin

A beggar came calling, he knocked on my door
I swear I'd not known of a beggar so poor
I may not have much but I've got quite a lot
I guess I'm content with the little I've got
I broke him some bread, shared a bottle of wine
I gave him a coat that was comfortably mine
He thanked me and smiled, then he went on his way
A little more richer than he was yesterday

Ian Duquemin