Santana

This poem is about Santana, a dog who I have volunteered with at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California.

Santana

 is starved for 
 affection

 she gives kisses 
 and insists on 

 sitting on your 
 lap once she gets

 to know you, like 
 an overgrown puppy

 she strains at her 
 leash when given
 
 a break from
 her kennel

 she is overlooked,
 having been

 in the shelter
 for over three years

 life hasn’t treated 
 her well, but she
 
 still faces every 
 day with a smile