The Beggar and His Dog

We are as similar as opposites can be
He's short and puny, I am gangly
He barks when he's happy, angry or sad
Yes, he's my dog and he makes me glad

He looks at me with reverent eyes
As I beg before the world, for a morsel of rice
He's happy even though, it's in a broken voice, I sing
To him I am nothing less than a King

I am dirty and unkempt, my clothes in tatters
When people turn away with disdain, my heart shatters
But he's blissfully unaware of my pathetic existence
To him I am more than just means of subsistence

He is my companion, my friend, my guide
Together we surf the storms and the rising tide
Of everyday life and together we survive
I think, it is for him that I stay alive

As the day winds down, our spoils we share
In a dirty corner of a dirty street; Our lair
We always eat together, never alone
He always gives me the meat, and gnaws on a bone

I talk to him about past's glory, and today's misery
The world laughs at me and calls me crazy
But he wags his tail as though understanding it all
And snuggles up to me and sleeps, when night falls
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Misra Avatar
September 12, 2019 at 8:20 AM
Beyond anthropomorphic! Another gem from you, Manoj. Liked it immensely! Keep on writing...
Nayak Avatar
July 28, 2015 at 6:55 AM
Nice poem Manoj.... Imagery is too good:-) The sharing and the compatibility between the pet and its humble owner touched my heart....
Dietrich Avatar
June 19, 2015 at 5:53 PM
this is REALLY nice, Manoj. If this is for the contest, I know she is going to be VERY sparing and only give like maybe a few wins. However, it is one of the best I have seen so far and I am going to personally FAVE it!
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