Hazel was a canine proud
A backyard dog
Whose humans, they
Ignored her cries
Didn’t realise
Out there neatly every day
The icy cold
The frozen food
Freezing water
Feeling screwed
Over really by those who
Should be giving her love
So very few
human beings
Seemingly
Concentrate on the family
Including their dog
Who remains alert
Who watches the house
Out in the dirt
Whose body gets wet
From wintry snow
Whose water is frozen
As well we know
The wind sweeps sharply
About her soul
And she finds it hard
To be in control
No kind words to keep her sane
Just the snow and driving rain
What’s wrong with humans
They keep a pet
And then in Winter they forget
A dog she thinks she cries she does
No where is dry that constant buzz
The stormy clouds the freshest wind
No food around not even tinned
The backyard dog
Is always there
Crying often
In despair.
Rex Tyler is a Poet, Campaigner, former owner of an organic shop of 30 years, and Public Speaker living in Berkhamsted, UK.