Dogs of War - March 31 2022

 

Dogs of War

March 31 2022

The suffering of animals

in times of war

moves me to tears.

Their trust, and innocence;

our bestiality.

The refugees

fleeing with pets

cradled in their arms.

The rough men

clutching automatic weapons,

herding zoo animals

somewhere safe.

The abandoned dog

in the bombed-out house

wet and cowering,

gazing into the camera

with a dull-eyed look

of longing and loss.

The shepherd

driving his flock

away from harm.

An orphaned lamb

draped around his neck like a scarf,

four gangly legs

dangling down his chest.

He holds tight on both sides,

as it were a prayer shawl

and his firmly clenched hands

gave him strength.

And huddling in the shelter

people comforted by pets.

A poignant reminder

of life before.

A touch of warmth

in the dank dark basement.

Still photos,

taken against cinder-block walls

with water stains and peeling paint,

a concrete floor

where children halfheartedly play.