Friendliness

Yesterday morning as I walked to the park

I felt a wet nudge on my hand

I turned to look, it was Ratiram

My street-dog friend

Rati must have known my route

So to catch up he had strayed

From his territory

Not caring for rules

I complained ‘long time no see’

Rati just smiled and kept walking

He was glad

No more conversation was needed

A suspicion crossed my mind

Did he want his favorite biscuits?

No, for he walked off quickly

At the park gate, letting me go in alone.

It was just pure desire to see a friend

Food he could find, also place to sleep

But once in a long enough while

Without bothering,

One has to meet a FRIEND.

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Partap Aggarwal

September 10, 2011