Dog Show Poem by Kevin Patrick

The Sidewalks become a circus again
A vogue pet show on a makeshift runway
Where certain breeds of dog owners
Inflict their pets with human compassion

Soon you can see the charity of dog's best friend
Two Terriers scuttling with waterproof wellies
Skipping over puddles with insulated paws
Their stout tongues kissing the cool spring's breeze

Then a scruffy clad Beagle strolls along
Haughtily marching in a blue raincoat
With a flexi pack leash over his back
Gently routing him with subtle silk hands

And a pampered Pomeranian wears a jumper
On days when May still flicker as April
Occasionally it takes a nip at its rear
Though all it gets back is wool in its mouth


A Doberman in yellow go-go boots
Strides in the rain with shame in his nostrils
But at least the polyester lining
Keeps his paws from tracking in mud


Then one day you're in downtown Montreal
And encounter a homeless man with bare feet
Instead of providing a kind word, or solace
Your charity scuttles as his toes slowly bleed