This stray dog stared at me
As if he knew since ages, me!

I at first decided to ignore
For I knew what was to the animal in store.

The stones strewn around were as enough
To give it a treatment tough enough.

Even as I was about to pelt
As in the past on such times I had dealt.

That stranger an old man from the street rushed across
For he was at his reasons end and loss.

"Why injure the poor animal "was his fervent plea
"If you believe in next birth and the role change for the world to see ".

Me as the dog and the dog as me!
The stone in its hand and aimed at me!!

I dropped the stone no doubt to his delight
And stared at the old man meeting his sight

"In the last birth; that dog was me and I was sadly it
Who hurt me with these same stones sharply hit?

And now it's my turn
To give back in return.

What hit me last birth, here and now
For I too believe in rebirth and the moment is now ".

The stranger, an old man without words walked across
Upon my strange logic as if quite engrossed.

I felt nice that I had poured out
My inner feelings which were seldom out.

And then as if suddenly I sensed a new connection
With that dog as if I knew it for generations

For I could see and feel the dog in me
And more than that ‘the me' in the dog impacting me.

I left the place pacing silently out and getting away
From the dog and letting it go about its way.

Mohan Prasad
Mohanprasad04@yahoo.com