Precious Dog Poem by Raj Dronamraju

I can inhabit your slavery
I can be the one you kick around
Need is the force you apply outwards and fall all over yourself
Your pathology determines your target

When you rage at those who have no choice but to be with you
They'll still come crouching back for more
Pity is the natural instinct for those who can't shake their role

Gold-studded dog collars and the first car you've ever owned
And this snake's belly existence
You slither onwards poking yourself painfully with resistance to change

Oh but they fed me and they scratched my belly
And they patted my head during sorrowful times
And they rubbed my nose in my lack of success
And they kept me from running out of the yard

From the yard, I could see a life of possibilities
I could be hit by a car but I could also run the length and width of life
Instead I run in circles, growling, barking
Until you came home and threw a ball for me to chase