ON DUMPING

Kathy Flood

A dog sits waiting
In the hot midday sun.
Too faithful to leave,
Too frightened to run.

He's been there for days now,
With nothing to do
But sit by the road
Just waiting for you.

He can't understand
Why you left him that day.
He thought you were stopping
To go out to play.

He's sure you'll come back
And that's why he stays.
How long can he suffer,
How many more days.

His legs have grown weak
His throat's parched and dry.
He's sick now, from hunger
He falls with a sigh.

He lays down his head.
He closes his eyes.
I wish you could see,
How as waiting dog dies.