solution

a great many 
problems are solved
by keeping your mouth shut. 

stray

little white dog

by the atm 

you've got
such shiny brown eyes

you look up at me

as i wait for my turn

your tail
slowly wags

you stand up
stretch, and come
closer

sniffing at my kurta

it's impossible
to look away now

i give in

and bend down

before i can even

pat your head
you roll on your back 

in anticipation

and i scratch
your tummy
as you giggle

and wring your limbs

i stop
for a moment
and you paw at me
frantically

and i become
servile again

both my knees
on the street now

you follow me
as i walk towards

my office

nose close to my heel

i enjoy
the attention
yours, and that of passersby

equally 

we crossthe chinese restaurant
and you run off

in the direction 

of exciting smells

frenzied wagging
and sniffing follows

with your back towards me

i pause

and wait
for you 

patiently 

 

but you

are intent

in poking your nose
in the gutter

i suddenly feel

very betrayed.