Stray

You gaze, steady and patient

Each considered blink

But you have a face of long suffering

Like you’ve witnessed many things

(Did you learn to trust

And flirt ?

To keep a warm and cautious tongue

To gain the things that mean tomorrow comes)

You’re so appreciative now

Heavy on the ground

That you stand, old hand

Stretching in that slow stiff way

How cold quickens age

(Did you learn to suppress your own drive

To survive

And rely on the hands of men

Not so wild now that you frighten them)

Do you remember how you found yourself thrown

I’ve noticed you startle at being left alone

Tell me what kept you during long days,

In the shadows,

And in the short light of winter

Without a home

(Did you cross to avoid the noise

And their uncertain ways

Just incase

Was it a game where you were the prize

Did they tire of you

When you lacked surprise

Because you become afraid,

of not getting away in time)

How do you stand here untainted

Settle now so unquestioning

And greet as though we’re old friends

As though the world is new again

(Tell me, did you find kindness?

Is it worth the price?

Could you ever be returned to the wild?

Would you want to be?)

Tell me what made you

The way you are

If you can

Patient and trusting, light on your feet

Cautiously free.