Another cold night scatters like the shifting sands of a desert landscape, as the morning rays permeate my flickering eyelids with torment and delight.

My icy fingertips tentatively move from within the warmth of the blanket, to the breezy cool air as I yawn and stretch. Check pulse,  yes still beating.  And Still breathing,  that's always a bonus.

I'm greeted, as always by the warmth of two loyally submissive chocolate brown eyes,  as 'Misty' lurches forwards and licks my face,  tickling me with those floppy King Charles ears and wayward fur which is in dire need of clipping.

People on the streets smile and coo,  bending down to stroke her,  whilst commenting that she is an unusual choice for a Tramp's dog.

That hit's me hard and hurts. 

Of course they are right,   a tri colour spaniel in place of a scruffy mongrel is indeed strange,   but then,   so are the circumstances which find us in this state.     But, A Tramp?   Strange,  but I still think of myself as something more than a conveniently pigeonholed 'tag'.

      If my ex could only see me now,  how she would roar with laughter at my perfect demise,  and savour the sweet taste of her absolute victory.

But the passers by do not wish to hear of our woes,  as they kindly drop a few coins on Misty's blanket,   in exchange for the latest copy of 'The big issue'  and exclaim that the adorable creature must be starving.

I'm betting on them referring to Misty,  and not my ragged sinews!

'Misty'  asks so little of me, and yet rewards me with all the love and friendship this bewildered and bowed man could ever dream of.   And it crosses my mind that with me gone,  she would so easily be afforded the life she so deserves.

Time to move on today.  Despite the hospitality of my currently favoured surroundings,  word on the street is of two street dwellers being badly beaten by roaming gangs.

It's a tough life on these streets.

***Misty is the current owner of my parents!  She had a tough start to life,  somewhat neglected and abused, before being taken in by an old lady who,  recognising that she could not look after her adequately,  allowed Misty to take ownership of my folks!  She's the friendliest,  mildest natured dog I have ever encountered