If I could only talk instead of bark, <br />I'd tell you of the desperate times I spent <br />Straying aimlessly through the streets, <br />With thoughts of starvation everywhere I went. <br /> <br />I was ruthlessly neglected and castaway, <br />Several trying weeks as a stray I spent, <br />Survival of the fittest was the name of the game, <br />Living this type of life was not my intent. <br /> <br />The hair on my body was severely tangled, <br />My canine appearance was weary and wan, <br />My small body was bruised and scrawny, <br />And my star-studded collar was gone. <br /> <br />One pleasant and sunny day, I strayed <br />Into a park where children were busy at play. <br />I wagged my tail and incessantly whined, <br />Little Lori Ann - accepted and saved me this day. <br /> <br />Think not of my abandoned life sadly <br />For the hapless and desolate days are done. <br />Fortunately, now I fare not so badly <br />Because a little girl thought I was a lot of fun. <br /> <br />Now, I am fortunate to be loved so dearly <br />By my newly adopted mistress - Lori Ann <br />Who speaks to me softly in an amiable way <br />As she strokes me gently with her little hand. <br /> <br />It is a pleasure to repose my head so lightly <br />On a soft, flowered pillow that I love the best, <br />Oten during the day, but mostly at night <br />When we have gone to rest.<br /><br />Joseph T. Renaldi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/if-i-could-only-talk/
