Rejected and Returned

The puppy frothed at the mouth

On my knees
Hands grasping tightly

She shook violently

As I developed a heavy heart

The leather strap

From my stained smock

In her jaw

Separating her jaws

That clenched angrily

I held her close

Closing the door with my foot

Depriving curious gazes

Laying her on the floor

I stroked the back of her neck

Until the vibrating muscles
Discharged of their energy

She became quiet

Eyes of white marble

That stared emptily at the ceiling

Her cries now silenced

Still seemed alive in echoes

When she was better

She would be put back on a plane