A Street Dog's Search

The once-bustling alleyways of the multilingual city,

now empty of those present,

the kind hands of noblewomen and men,

feeding me a handful, feeding me packets filled with food,

as I used to stray through those busy streets,

enjoying the light rustle of leaves of those cherry trees,

from where the sparrows sang some chirpy songs.

*

None can be seen, and I do not know why,

I keep wondering and wandering through,

the emptiness outside engulfing my empty stomach,

I am sure I'll feel tired soon, overcome by the heat waves,

my vision seems to already blur out, my paws unable to support my body,

I need to lay down.

*

I am dreaming, I see patches of old memories,

dancing in front of me, those faces of people patting my back,

as I wag my tail, my face alights with happiness.

Is this how it'll end for me?

**

A whiff of cold air, and I feel a hand caressing my neck,

my nostrils know that food is near,

that minute moment triggered my cells,

I open my eyes to see a kind face,

hands rubbing my forehead, and I know,

I know I am saved,

I know I can smile again.

***