This cottonwood tree
by the bosque hiking trail
is where some unknown person
tied up and left a dog.
The dog was a bit thin
so one may surmise
the person suffered financially
during the pandemic.
Though many people
are poor businessmen
and fail due to a lack
of understanding markets.
The person was kind enough
to leave a bright pink bowl
filled with water
for the dog.
Without a sign or obvious note
I was reluctant to believe
the dog was displayed for the taking
like a file cabinet at the curb.
I started to walk away
then spotted three coyotes
off to my left in the cottonwoods
headed in the dog’s direction.
Once I untied the dog
she picked up her pink bowl
in her mouth
unwilling to leave it behind.
copyright © 2022 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 