Companions
Twice daily they pass by:
the scruffy-bearded man with a slouch hat,
and his little dog Fritz,
who yaps at the stray cat.
Arthritis embers smolder
in both knees and one shoulder.
The old man's stiff walk
is a badge he wears,
for daring to grow older.
Fritz the dog,
the man's closest friend for years,
wears a tiny, red coat
and a tiny, yarn hat
with holes knitted in,
to make room for his ears.
In all but the worst of weather,
they make their way down the street.
The man shuffles and lingers,
the dog stays close,
just to the right of the man's feet.
Each, without the other, would be alone:
the little dog with no one to toss him a bone;
the old man with no pet to settle in his lap.
Together, they retreat from the world,
to catch an afternoon nap.
Twice daily they pass by:
the scruffy-bearded man with a slouch hat,
and his little dog Fritz,
who yaps at the stray cat.
