Domestic Dogs are Overfed

I noticed

because they struggle when they walk

and their waists

nearly extend past their ribs,

but I was told

they’re usually fed rice.

Maybe,

to an extent,

that is not ideal,

but food will be food.

I see strays on the street

with abundance as well;

appearing contaminated,

dreaming of rice,

struggling to walk.

But a simple pat on the head

revises that fearful dog,

and revisits that childlike wonder

of a puppy

who has lived long enough

that they have forgotten

the feeling of

affection.