Prisoner

A pair of wide eyes with nothing
to look at.
You ache for the gentle stroke
of the promising light.
Chin turned toward what promised
to save you.

A pair of limp arms, aimless and savage.
You're taken away.
Naked and confused. Sounds you'll never
understand. Fascinated.
A million hands crawl over your
helpless skin.

A pair of ears constantly ringing
with a promise to protect you.
You suckle at the hope of leaving.
I would miss home, too.
On the same breath, I would miss
being dead.

I remember you trying to hang yourself
off the back porch.

You didn't mean it.
You couldn't have.
You are just a dog.