Careing Sharing Pairing

He lays his head upon the pavement
Where he will spend his night
In his head he holds no resentment
He is tired from his existence fight

His sleep merely a restless slumber
On his hard and filthy bed
Just one of a vast number
But this is not in his head

First light, comes the bustle of activity
As sleep is wiped from his eyes
Yet another day in this uncompromising city
But he’s still grateful for the sunrise

He sifts through the garbage of the night
For a crust of bread, a few grains of rice
But he is still content, he knows that it’s right
To share this meagre breakfast with the multitude of mice

During the day he doesn’t wander far away
Accepting the occasional coin laid at his feet
Joined by a bedraggled dog, a poor mangy stray
His alms buys just enough for both of them to eat

This dog and he, together in their plight
He picks the fleas from the dogs dirty hair
The dog guards, keeping him safe at night
And supplying warmth from the cold night air

A lesson here for us to learn
From this unfortunate pairing
That life gives richness in return
For unconditional sharing

Is it easier to give, with half empty hand
Or with our hands half full
Will we ever learn, be able to understand
Let this thought remain and at our heartstrings pull

© Ray Gorringe 2010