Dearest Laika

What was it like to feel 

the hand that gave you 

shelter and food was  

to let you die 

with hours into the flight,

letting you overheat 

when your limbs were swollen 

when your lungs could no longer function…

A purpose forced upon you, 

let alone a sacrifice, 

bribing a homeless hound 

with pretense of love and shelter. 

This is the human race.