One Recognizes His Own Kind

Here's a link to my you tube channel where I read my poetry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnWn7sX-Y4E

Homeless and roaming the

streets like an orphan.

It was the dead of winter, and

I was still alive... barely.

My ex-girlfriend let  

me crash on her couch for

a few days.

She didn't smoke.

I did, 

so, whenever I wanted  

a cigarette, I went out in

front of her

apartment and lit up.

One night, bent on nicotine, 

I entered the January thaw.

As I had my  

smoke fix, 

a man with a  

huge Rottweiler slowly

walked by.

The dog caught sight of

me, and gave me a low growl.

The guy talked to

his pet like he was

his best friend.

'Leave him alone, that's his home; 

let him smoke.'

The dog knew better, and

glared at me.

He barked loud and viciously.

'Leave that poor man alone.

Let him enjoy his cigarette, 

that's his home, ' the man said.

A small dog began  

yapping in the distance.

The man said, 

'Oh great, you've upset that little dog.

Come on, let's go.'

The Rott gave me an evil look, and

sauntered off.

He recognized his own  

kind.

He also knew that there

was something different about me.

He could smell it, 

almost taste it.

He knew I was a mongrel 

and a stray.

He knew I didn't

belong.

Author's Note

My book Rise Up Collected Poems and Short Stories is on Booksie.com and my other book, Seedy Town Blues Collected Poems is available on Amazon.com
Thomas W. Case

Reviews

[Soren]

Powerful words about a destitute situation Nicely said Thomas

[Thomas W Case]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

[John the Baptist]

On the other hand, the Rottweiler may have had an anti-social personality disorder and just plain didn't like anybody. At any rate, you did well not to cross a dog that big and that mean. I hope you left the little dog a tip.

[Thomas W Case]

Lol. Thanks, John. I appreciate the comment.

[emmajoygreen]

'There by the grace of God go I..'
Animal instincts can be the cruellest of all: saying too much, doing too little. Your thoughtful words simply cover that entire emotion.. more than honestly but- dear Lord, how cruelly true, Thomas

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[red93]

Nice Work again Thomas. You have caught the street atmosphere well. Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. Much appreciated.