"The Dog's Honor," A Poetry Post

-Inspired by and Dedicated to Ms. Donna Lynah, a Righteous Judge-

When a man decides to own a dog,
he researches to find his
desired pedigree.
He certifies that his
breed is pure or
rightly mixed to
be sure of the right fit.

He goes to the proper officials
to ensure his friend's health and
secures documentation if
the match might bring wealth.

He purchases the foods that will
prolong his friend's life and he
takes his friend for walks and talks
in the cool of the day and in the
middle of the night.

He assumes the role of
provider and defender;
he trains the new relation like it
never lived before.

He gets down on a knee,
or two,
to communicate his wants and needs. 

He responds to its cries and whimpers.
When it gets hungry,
he feeds. 

He schedules
regular checkups and
takes time to look into its eyes,
its mouth,
to look at its paws for signs of
injury, infection, depression or
other ills.

That empty water bowl?
He fills.

And if his dog gets away,
he feels bereft.
He searches, he searches, he searches
to secure its return.

That's how a man owns his dog.

So how seriously
do you think
a man gets
when he owns
his woman?

-T. D. James-Moss