Variations on The Word Dog
Dog is a word we use to hold
Love in our hearts,
Or maybe play with to make
God –
As owners may feel in adoration.
Or maybe Beware of Dog
Is a warning on homes, gates, doors
To those who fear bites or scratches to
Sun kissed skin.
When a pup
Dog is doggie all over us wiggling, licking, cuddling
To hold near our hearts.
Dog said harshly can be from frustration
From Dog peeing inside not out.
Then Dog oh Dog is joy
With easy walks on lead, obedient –
“Sit”, “Stay”, “Down”
Treats taken without a snap.
Owners pride glows on walks through
Neighbourhoods familiar with Dog –
Greetings warm, gentle pats, and treats
Unless bold sign says
“No Dogs”!
So sad to see,
They miss the
Dog of wagging greetings, happy barking,
The fun of years
Of off lead walks through long grass
And sandy beaches
Leaving
The sign of Dog in wet sand prints
A perfect signature – Dog was here!
Then Dog said sadly is slower,
Soft whimpers, sighs, trembling,
It seems so sudden.
Dog is stiffness, quiet, tail slowly wagging –
Needs help on stairs and into car.
Long sleeps, short walks
Dog Oh Dog, where soon
There will be an emptiness.
No word for missing
But now there is just warm love for old Dog
Of mine.
