Esperanza of Manila

You, who rescued a boy-afflicted cat 
from perishing in the gutters, toweling 
its oiled pelt clean. Who rushed 
a hound to the spigots to wash away
toad venom from its shocked mouth.
Who saved a blot of Dalmatians 
from the chafe of pet store chains 
and named them after pharaohs’ glittering 
cities. Who tended to a canary in egg-
binding agony, careful not to crush 
its juddered breast. Who released 
a pigeon from its jailing grate, geckos 
from dosed rooms. O holy steward, 
minister to all living beings, pray for us
now as we tend to your feral body.