among the dying

old testament

this was no way to live,
or die

chained at the turn
of the century

and yet always --
as with then

(and before)

rising to greet
your family,
eager for touch


and the new

others would come
and go

(the focus of nearly
all affection)

while you sat outside
in the dust, and dirt,

howling and jumping
whenever i'd approach

and so it went for nearly
two decades

until i found you dying

chained up, as always,

barely turning your
head as i reached
down to touch you

and swat away the
flies