Challenge: Explicating "Alley Cat"

Alley Cat

My leashed dog finds him
in a stiffened crouch,
orange back-hairs up.
Of course he's learned nothing
from dying.
His paws are still flexed
in a dream of infection and pain;
his wide face leers like the moon
in a young girl's window.

Already new toms are contesting
the fence top he
thought choice.
Already the horseflies
are feasting.

And who wouldn't honor him
likewise:
no pity.

What is this poem up to? Compose a stanza-by-stanza explication (close explanation of contents) of this poem. Pay special attention to unfolding the meaning of the final stanza and the poem's last line. What does “no pity” have to do with honoring? Do your best to read this poem clearly; do not be afraid to venture an interpretation. Write in full, correctly punctuated sentences and well-organized paragraphs, and work hard to correctly integrate quoted words and phrases into your writing. Begin this assignment by hand or on your laptop and then post your response as a comment. Make sure you comment on the right post. I will take a grade on this -- do not collaborate!

Due from boys Wednesday morning, March 7 at 1:30 p.m. Due from girls Monday morning, March 12 at 7:30 a.m.