Unearned Loyalty

He’s been three paces behind me

since the corner of Fourth and Main.

A yellow mutt with a hitched hip,

walking through the start of the rain.

Click, click, click on the pavement.

I don’t have a scrap of meat to give,

but he’s decided I’m the compass

for the life he’s trying to live.

He’s waiting by the glass door now,

watching me fumble for my keys.

I don’t want to be responsible

for a heart that’s this easy to please.