The Patient Dog

Begging for twenties in the streets of London
ashamed to ask for an even five in the pubs
following the woman from flat to flat
listening to the opera singing dog
and feeling like weeping
at its beauty.

Next stop hanging my coat to stay
when the hound done performance
next is the patient dog
sitting in back
waiting.

Introduction less than the formal
more than the due
paid still no money
ready for the night as us dog recluse.