Woofies

The dogs outside of the Starbucks
Wag their tails in greeting
At passersby and their leashed companions
Who prance along just a nose too far
To sniff.
Tantalizing prospects, this parade
Of two-legged guys and quadrupeds;
We all wish the world were friendlier,
And those out for walkies would pause a mo',
Make our acquaintance, roll in the dirt,
Flirt and lick and romp and maybe
Do doggie dances.
No dice. Each party is self-contained,
Impervious to comradeship,
Busily busy, agenda-driven,
Ungenerous: for when a pup-dad gets home,
Chances are he'll ditch his pal,
Lock him up, leave him there
Alone, alone, in that cramped apartment,
While he heads for beach or ball game or bar,
No dogs allowed.