The streets whisper all day long,

Echoes keeping silent watch,

As the house slowly empties—

Everyone gone,

Chasing their daily worlds.

And I wait.

I wait for footsteps,

For familiar sounds,

For the door that will open

Just for me.

Strangers pass by—

Even other dogs,

Glancing my way

As if to tease,

As if they know

I’m still here… waiting.

But I am patient—

Or at least, I try to be.

Because I know,

My time will come.

When the evening softens,

And the clock nears five,

A leash will find its way to me—

And I will be free,

If only for a while.

So I count the moments—

Quietly, eagerly—

When will it be five?

When will they come for me?

~ Dawn