Found in a gutter of blood,
a mongrel, emaciated,
half dead, wheezin’, shakin’,
all roughed up an’ forsaken
on this, God’s own Sunday mornin’.
To leave him,
‘twould be a sin,
one of the blackest ones.
Into me arms with
the wretched cur.
Me, of all bloody people,
hooch ridden,
of pauper’s pockets
an’ no arse to me trousers.
’Tis our journey now;
bum an’ beast,
we mangy twain.
Homeward bound,
we’ll share me rags, scraps
an’ cardboard walls,
the dog an’ meself,
scavengers;
loners.
The dog knows not,
I know not.
What to do?
Wait and wait
in the silence of strangers,
where strangers are buried,
buried from the norm.
Sleep; an’ more sleep
in the rags of warmth
’neath a plastic roof;
damn the rain!
Whiskey, too,
to upholster me innards.
The stillness of the creature,
the silence,
an awful quiet;
waitin’.
Maybe dead?
Waitin’.
The curst unknown
gnawin’ the time
into drunkenness,
bearin’ into sobriety.
Day into night
an’ day again.
Waitin’.
The dog sees me;
I think - alive begad!
The dog and I,
our home,
“A rough lookin’ duo.
Some fookin’ fairy tale this is.”
Me laughs to meself.
Who rescued who,
me be wonderin’.
Companionship, free medication,
goes down a treat
like pain dullin’ hooch.
A godsend,
as me mammy use to say.
By the canal at the break of dawn
in grey light an’ city drizzle.
We both walk with a limp,
some pain -
but we’re okay.
Inseparable.
-
Author:
Tony Grannell (
Offline) - Published: August 1st, 2025 04:23
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 7
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Teddy.15, Friendship
Offline)
Comments5
I know this man and dog, I have seen him, I have spoken with him and at times I have been him. And so it is with a great poem one must have lived it to feel it and one must feel it for it to be great. Another Fave Tony my congratulations
Hello, Soren,
I am delighted you have shared a part of your good-self this poem. I am most grateful.
Your friend and fellow poet,
Tony
Most welcome
Reading your writes always give the sense of a life very well lived and experienced, lovely write, enjoyed the read
Thank you very much, Tobani. Very kind of you.
Wishing you all the very best,
Tony.
You are very welcome
On Reading this I have at least 3 accents, I'm going with Irish? Do let me know because this is incredibly brilliant. Your imagery superb, I couldn't help but feel in tune with your first stanza as you describe this dog left to die, sometimes we can feel this as humans too, for many reasons, recently how my siblings treated me on a trip home, sad to say I know. How one single thing can literally save a soul, In this case a dog and a man very different yet the same. Superb dear Tony, I'd like to put you on my friends list if you will accept me, your inspiring poetry I would love to follow. 🌹
Hello, Teddy,
Irish accent true and through. Honoured and happy to be on your 'friends list'. Thank you ever so much for the sincere response.
Wishing you all the very best,
Tony.
excellent write
Hello, Tony,
Very kind of you to read and respond. Thank you very much.
Kind regards,
Tony.
Your poem is a powerful testament to the transformative power of companionship in the face of hardship. It beautifully captures the unbreakable bond formed between two marginalized souls—a homeless individual and a stray dog—illuminating the uplifting themes of loyalty, survival, and the quest for connection in a world that often overlooks the vulnerable. This poem shines a beacon of hope, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of companionship in overcoming adversity. It inspires the reader to empathize with those living on the fringes of society and to recognize the profound value of connection in transcending hardship.
Hello, Friendship,
Once again, I am honoured and filled with joy. Your insight and command of the English language is most admirable. I am always happy when you drop by; a most welcome friend.
Wishing you all the very best,
Tony.
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