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Jun 18, 2026
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Kira ~ who rescued who?
A chain fixed around your neck, tethered to a tree.
With no more than its links that kept you from being free.
The limit wasn't just the space, your mind suffered too
No love, no trust, no companion ever sat with you.
Circles were the limit of the direction you could go
No interactions, no teachings of who was friend or foe.
No warm touches, no scratches behind your ears.
Only yelling and beatings for your first six years.
While on top of your dog house one quiet day,
An AC Officer came to take you away.
One more circle would have ended it all
You were so tangled you couldn't even stand tall.
— Tink, Jun 18, 2026
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About This Poem
Editing Stage: Rough draft
Critiques
Tigger Kaz
1 month ago
Sad imagery
Perfect words, and great rhyme, to describe something so sad.
Tink
1 month ago
There's more to come!
Thank you for reading Tigger!! Thank you for your kind words!! There's more coming. I have to dig out my rhyming dictionary for this one!!
I can't wait for your thoughts when the story plays out!
Yours in Ink,
Tink
Geezer
1 month ago
Hey...
why did you stop? I wanted to know the ending of the story! Has she been adopted? I've known too many "backyard" dogs, dogs that are never let in the house, because they get too wild! Well, sure, it is a big deal for them, they are happy, jumping around, and the next minute, they are back outside looking at the house, like what happened? it sounds like they are still having fun...
I think you better go back and write another story about how she has been adopted and living a great life. ~ Geez.
Tink
1 month ago
because...
There is a TON more to this story!! I stopped because my eyes were heavy and I needed to pause to take breath and get my butt to bed. Spoiler alert...Kira led the best life with her limits (will explain as the story plays out) and holds a GIGANTIC piece of my heart. She taught me soooo very much and I can't wait to share! I'll send you a picture...
Thanks for Reading Geez!!
Yours in Ink,
Tink
Obadiah Grey
1 month ago
"then" ?,,,, "than" ?,, a…
"then" ?,,,, "than" ?,, a bit pernickety I know!
The previous keeper of the dog ought be shot.
As for Who rescued Whom,
I rather think that You rescued Her,
then She set You free.,,,,, hopefully.
Obi
Tink
1 month ago
Hi Obi
Nice to meet you!!
Thank you for reading!!! There is so much more to the story, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts once it's finished.
You're close, kinda...
Yours in Ink,
Tink
Geezer
1 month ago
I'm waiting...
impatiently, by the way. ~ Geez.
Mark
1 month ago
Comment on Kira
Tink the poem powerfully captures the bleak reality of animal neglect, specifically focusing on the physical and psychological toll of tethering a dog. The title, “Kira ~ who rescued who?”, introduces a redemptive arc, suggesting that while the speaker saved Kira from her chain, Kira ultimately brought profound meaning or healing to the speaker's life. This creates a beautiful contrast with the stark, heartbreaking imagery of the stanzas that follow.
The imagery of the "chain" and "circles" serves as a poignant metaphor for helplessness and stagnation. The poem shifts beautifully from the physical constraint—the literal length of the chain—to the psychological cage it creates ("your mind suffered too").
The final lines touch on a deeply insightful aspect of canine neglect: the loss of socialization. By noting that Kira had "no interactions, no teachings of who was friend or foe," the poet highlights how isolation strips an animal of its ability to understand and navigate the world, making the eventual rescue even more profound.
To elevate the poem's professional polish and natural rhythm, a slight adjustment to the grammar and syllable flow in the second couplet would enhance its impact.
The word "then" should be "than" to correctly indicate a comparison.
The phrase "that kept you from being free" feels a bit rhythmically crowded compared to the clean pacing of the opening line. Streamlining the wording can make the line hit harder emotionally.
Fixing this minor typo and smoothing the meter ensures that the reader remains fully immersed in the emotional gravity of Kira's story without getting tripped up by the phrasing.
Tink
1 month ago
Thank you Mark!!
what a compliment!! I need to tell Kira's story and plan to finish it.
It fills my heart to know that i was able to create an impact. I DEFINITELY what your feedback as i continue!
It is awesome to have you reading and comment on my work again!!
Thank you!
Live, Love & Laugh
(And don't forget to Write!!)
Yours in Ink,
Tink
Mark
4 weeks ago
My pleasure!
Mark
3 weeks ago
I came back for your edit
It looks Good Tink.
You might want to consider a few things.
With no more than a few links... (rolls off the tongue a little better)
Maybe a space between the No Love and Circles line? (putting them close like that creates a bit of a stumble)
Stay on it!
Mark
streshenkofftheresa
1 month ago
Awesome
This is great I loved it
Tink
1 month ago
Thank you T!!
There's more coming!! I hope you will continue reading!!
Live, Love & Laugh!
(And don't forget to Write!!)
Yours in Ink,
Tink
streshenkofftheresa
2 weeks 5 days ago
Wow
You are such an incredible writer
Tink
2 weeks 4 days ago
thank you Theresa!!!
thank you Theresa!!!
Mark
1 week 6 days ago
Your spirit suffered too??
Wow looks great Tink!
I would wrap it in a knitted shawl. Give it a warm bath in flea soap then rinse it with warm water. Give it some dogfood with fresh egg then off to the Vet!
I would need at least 1000 in my pocket. With that I know I could maintain it.:
If the dog is alert, walking, and has no visible wounds, a baseline "all-clear" visit to a standard clinic typically ranges from $250 to $500.
Because this dog was chained up, the vet will focus heavily on parasites and basic immunity. Here is a realistic approximation of how that total breaks down:
If the dog has been neglected on a chain, the bill could climb if they find any of the following common issues:
Dewormer) often for flat rates between $140 and $200.
😘😒❤️👌🙌
Stats on the dogs fix are from Gimini Google and Free!
Mark
Tink
1 week 5 days ago
and that's the low end!!!
You aren't lying!!!
there's so much more to come with this tribute! Spoiler alert, we had to put Kira down May 27, 2023, at 13. She had aggressive cancer. She taught me so much and she holds a BIG piece of my heart. this is tough for me...
Live, Love & Laugh,
(and don't forget to Write)
Yours in Ink,
Tink
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