it had been cold outside
and the wind blew strong
the shelter was tempting
I sniffed around

the trees seemed to whisper
something of warning
a distant evergreen beckoned
and some were in winters dormant

in my eager need
for something warm
I stepped into its door
and moved closer to the fire

I thought I heard
a wailing outside
a woman's cry
carried by the wind

chilling and haunting
perhaps it was something
that had been here before
and carelessly dismissed

my instincts told me
to head for the door
when I saw the whips
and leashes

then he placed a bowl
of cool milk on the floor
and gruffly scratched my chin
lifting my head to meet eyes

open the mind I thought
knowing things often
are misunderstood
when viewed with their bloodshot eyes

I lapped up the milk
with its tranquilizing affect
returned to the fire
and settled near his feet