Runt of the Litter

A wittle fluffy puppy
homeless shelterless alone.
Any attention paid
is a thrown bone.

A passing lady,
groceries in hand,
coos at the corgi
and he misunderstands.

Tongue outstretched,
he brings a can
to play fetch
with a turned back.

He chases, he follows.
As she ignores him,
he whimpers his sorrow.
She closes her door.

Dirt from outdoors
matts his fur.
She won't welcome
a stray claimed by none.