Left Alone

I am Canine lupus familiaris Known as dog Man’s best friend Someone to fetch Someone to catch with Someone to walk Since I cannot speak I watch and listen I also watch my master drink sour water from cans As he and his friends laugh Their shrill laughter becoming louder and louder Their voices hurting my ears until I leave the room. One week master was excited The phone rang constantly A jarring message A three day weekend More sour water More loud noise Then suddenly I was left alone Quickly and firmly The door closed to me At first I was glad for the silence My eyes grew accustomed to the dark Hungry, I searched the house Found food and some water I could smell the bags of dog food in the pantry But it was no use I couldn’t unlock the door But I was brave I didn’t panic I made do with what I had I conserved what little food was left in my doggie bowl I drank water only when needed I pooped in the bathroom Like my Master always did But it wasn’t enough By the third day the water was gone The doggie bowl empty. When the door opened three days later Master walked in Sour water on his breathe Short angry hissing words escaped his lips When he found me Alone and hungry Rubbing his face More short words followed Anger directed at himself for neglecting me Then he hugged me Suddenly there was water There was food Looking up at him My eyes told him My father was the Wolf From the frozen North My mother the She Wolf Who ruled the forest And guarded the wolf dens I came from strong genes I learned how to survive.