the stray

under the crabtree
there is a stray dog
licking his wounds up
against the grain of his matted hair
and for the back leg that lags
his bent tail sadly wags
in accord with the mites that are hiding there
an unwavering eye
for any man that dares try
to reach out and steal his pride away
the little girl withdraws her hand
at her mother's reprimand
a stern warning, "don't touch the stray"

under the fire escape
there is a blind man
licking his wounds up
keeping warm against the garbage cans
and for the eyes that don't see
his ears acutely listening
for wolves that will bite at his outstretched hand
still unwaveringly spry
for any man that dares try
rob his mind and steal his pride away
the little girl withdraws her hand
at her mother's reprimand
in disgust now, "don't touch the stray"

under the manger scene
there is a lost son
licking his wounds up
at the end of a bottle tonight
and for the heart that's broke
there is a veil of smoke
to help him cope as he runs another red light
these unwavering lies
for any man that dares to try
to break down walls and steal his pride away
the little girl withdraws her hand
at her mother's reprimand
"for God's sake, daughter, don't touch the stray"