Snow was blinding
and blowing from
a fierce wind
almost obliterating

one of his dogs
curled up on
his sleeping bag

in the basket of
his grocery cart
next to the storefront

and the snow kept
blowing while

another dog was slowly
wagging its tail
and looking up at
him explaining to
the social worker

   “Ain’t no shelter that
allows dogs and I
can’t part with them

don’t worry lady
they plus the sleeping bag
keep me warm enough

I got all I need—sure
is cold today, ain’t it!”