Big Toe, Small Paw by Tatiana Pahlen

Big Toe, Small Paw
By Tatiana Pahlen

I limp on the street, coping with pain,
dragging my leg like wood;
earlier that day
I was pumping weights
and then...imagine:
forty five pounds
dropped in vain,
landed onto my foot.

Now, wearing an open boot,
I tend to my smashed big toe;
a slow walker — a target to loot
Get mugged, mocked by a foe.

Soon, I found every passing dog
Exuding a staunch side:
All sympathetic
pacing along,
wiggling their humble butts.

With eyes display,
"I feel your pain,
Just let me lick your wound."
Truly, dogs are man's best friends,
They know how to cheer your mood.