As you prance before me, seeking attention,
I look into your eyes, large and full of love
.I rest my head against yours and feel the warmth
I hear you sigh as you rest on the floor at my feet.

Born to this world with eyes closed, your mother licked you clean.
What was it like to open your eyes the first time and see?
Who did you see did they look at you with love?
What did you hear as you fought to suckle for life.

And then the other face. The one that turned you out.
Leaving you at a gate, for others to find.
Did they yell? Did they scream?
Did they set you quietly in the seat next to them?

Sometimes I wonder how they felt,
But most often I don’t care.
I wonder if it was quiet in the vehicle that brought you
I wonder if they refused to look you in the eyes when they dropped you.

You breathe deeply while you sleep
Your breathing brings me peace when chaos reigns.
When you look up at me with only love
With affection so pure, there is no doubt you are my family.

I hope that you know, this is your home,
Your bowl will have food.
Your belly will be scratched
And you will not be turned out.

This is my covenant and hope
And this is my prayer to all yet unhomed.
That you all find a place to be loved
Because there is no doubt you will first choose to love.