I’ve been uncertain

Just now being heard

It often takes more than

a calm, agreeing word

With all our

Endless

Individual needs

Sometimes we can’t help

biting the hand that feeds

*

We wait and wait for the offering to come down

No surprise that we’re chomping at what comes around

*

Shout an offhand remark

Fast as a ‘Yelp’

My loud incessant bark

Bared teeth asking for help

Life’s not a walk in the park

I’m here to protect

If I bite a hand that feeds

It’s by accident

*

At times I leap at an empty hand

Or a fist flying past again

If I bite hands that feed

It’s instinct right then

*

I’m not still hurting

Just got word and

We can work it out

*

A kind voice firmly heard

With all our

Vast

Individual needs

Give us trust and we won’t bite a hand that feeds

*

I’ll try not to leap at an empty hand

But let it fill up

and come back again

*

I’ll try to wait

so patiently

And let you know

If you missed me

*

Shout an offhand remark

Fast as a ‘Yelp’

My loud incessant bark

Bared teeth asking for help

Life’s not a walk in the park

But I’m here to protect

If I bite a hand that feeds

It’s by accident

*

At times I leap at a reaching hand

Or a foot kicking past again

If I bite out of need

It’s instinct right then