He was given to us one day

when his family moved away

the little dog was a mystery

with no doubt a long history

we had no idea of his past or age

for months he was on center stage

large scars ran across his back

the result of some violent attack?

he becomes vicious at the slightest provocation

than wags his tail to seek attention

he fears we’d hurt him in some way

and is afraid to even play

in times he has settled down and become more free

to join in as part of our family

now we understand some of his ways

and he’s with us till he lives out his days