Just Like a Dog

A tale of mental manipulation, justified in every other way, by a man who has had his spirits quelled and his backbone ripped out by the hands of those he loves.

"You're a lot like a dog"

Those were the words she said to me.
And I thought that's good. Dogs are affectionate, much like me.
They are always on the lookout for danger as am I.
They are near loyal to a fault which I have been told I am.
And they would give their lives without hesitation for those they love, as I would too.

Being like a dog, I suppose, is not all that bad.

But as time ticked onward a horrible truth began to unravel to me.

I am like a dog.

You can shut them out in the cold and they find it in their hearts to fogive.
They will always look out for you though you may not look out for them.
And no matter how much you yell, beat, or break their spirits, they will always remain loyal to you.

Because their fear of not having a place to go or not having someone to go to if they ever departed far overshadows their want to do so.

And so, like a dog. I simply become more qiet and afraid after every encounter. I feel it's my fault, somehow. She can do no wrong, right? I was in the wrong for saying or doing whatever led into it.

A million excuses and a million lies I tell myself to validate them instead of my own self.

I really am like a dog. I suppose.

And the longer I remain one, the more I wish I were like anything else.

Reviews

[olla]

it's easy to see on a female.. it's ok for us to openly cry but we often over look the abuse of a man's soul.. and even sometimes abuse thinking they are tough and rugged.. I have eight grandson.. seven are now adults.. I see their sorrow and unshed tears and my heart breaks.. this is well written and deserves some attention..

[Crow]

I am sorry to hear of the hardships your grandsons endure. I wish them all well and I appreciate your feedback.

[olla]

thank you.. you know it is in the tragedies we often find our greatest strength.. I just try to love them hard enough to anchor them to the edge.. they still have to fill their own billows.. and forge their own steal.. so far I haven't lost too much ground.. but they're still young..