A Bit of Tenderness I yearn for the dog That snarls at me, shows Its fangs to me, to find Some

rat in an alley, A lean rat to help Occupy its beastly time. Dont point a finger at me; Im a man Who wishes no harm Upon a rat that never Did me wrong. The dog And rat could play A game of hide and seek. I long to stroll these dark Streets as families eat. I want to see kitchen Lights grace closed Curtains and not fear This dog who haunts These streets, a collarless Dog, who if it can t find A rat to play a game Might enjoy my company As we make our way down These streets that winter Grips and those families Find peace in a warm dish. Roger Scott