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Fred Hobbs
Member
since 1999-06-08
Posts 329
Tallahassee, Florida, US

0 posted 2000-10-05 10:35 AM


Death Row Dog

A dog pound in a rural town
With Spanish moss all hanging down
From ancient oaks whose job it seemed
To shade us from a sun that beamed
Relentlessly upon those souls
Imprisoned here, devoid of goals

I’d seen him on the morning show
This death row dog, condemned to go
For his had been a lengthy stay
Yet none had come to take away
And I had watched him plead his case
Those deep black eyes, the saddest face

Though for a dog I had no time
I prayed someone would stop this crime
In passing days my thoughts were haunted
By visions of this soul unwanted
A worthy pup he seemed to me
What could it hurt?  I had to see

A bright white coat with spots of black
Across his face and down his back
A playful soul lurked just within
Betrayed now by his impish grin
“I hope you like me” said his eyes
“Don’t like this new word “euthanize”

No pedigree upon some list
This product of a backyard tryst
His lineage, well who could tell?
A thousand ancient breeders dwell
Within this heart that would be stilled
His destiny gone unfulfilled
And I by coming here to see
Had linked that destiny with me

He licked my face and I was caught
I brought him home, how could I not?

He traveled light, he only owned
A love that fate had finely honed
A passion strong to try to please
He blended in at home with ease
And as he did he showed me of
His special unrelenting love
That hears me out when others won’t
He loves me even when I don’t

His favorite toy is my old sock
Sometimes I think if he could talk
He’d bid me play in our back yard
And tell me that I work too hard
And I by knowing what he’d say
Have learned his message anyway

At times I‘m doubtful of my worth
And seek to justify my birth
But looking at him I can tell
Perhaps I’ve managed one thing well
I’ve saved a death row dog you see
Truth be known though, he saved me

fh (For Sparky)


© Copyright 2000 Fred Hobbs - All Rights Reserved
Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
1 posted 2000-10-05 10:44 AM


Fred,
And you have written an epopee.
A wonderful write Fred. Sy

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
2 posted 2000-10-05 04:54 PM


Ah Fred, I see your name and think I'll smile, and here I'm tearing up all the while...a man after my own heart! Dittoing Sy here...

and welcome back!

Karilea
If I whisper, will you listen?...KRJ



Romy
Senior Member
since 2000-05-28
Posts 1170
Plantation, Florida
3 posted 2000-10-05 09:03 PM


This deserves to be put back up at the top!  I really enjoyed your poem, it was wonderful!
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
4 posted 2000-10-05 09:07 PM


Fred!

"A passion strong to try to please
He blended in at home with ease"

You do please and you do blend in. Welcome home.

Did I mention I loved this?  



Moon Dust
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 1999-06-11
Posts 2177
Skelmersdale, UK
5 posted 2000-10-05 09:09 PM


awwww I'm glad there was a happy ending

Sometimes you have to let go and move on,
But never let go of the memories.


Fred Hobbs
Member
since 1999-06-08
Posts 329
Tallahassee, Florida, US
6 posted 2000-10-05 09:20 PM


Sy, Thanks, but what's an epopee?

Sunshine,  Thanks for reading this and for your kind comments.  I started to post Sparky's photo but didn't know how.

Debbie,  Thank you!  The forums move so fast now I almost couldn't find it.

PdV,  Thanks for putting out the welcome mat.  I don't get here often but when I do it's nice to feel at home.  

fh

Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

7 posted 2000-10-05 09:31 PM


Fred,
I don't believe I've had the opportunity to welcome you to Passions.  Well, welcome!
This was terrific.  You obviously put a lot of work into it and it shows. A real tug at the heartstrings!

Kathleen


Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
8 posted 2000-10-05 10:30 PM


Fred,
An epopee is an epic poem. Love your work Sy

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
9 posted 2000-10-05 10:37 PM


Vintage Fred Hobbs all the way...which means as good as it gets. This is great, Fred. A heartwarming story with a good message and a great puppy tale. Now STAY!!!
vlraynes
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...
10 posted 2000-10-05 10:44 PM



Fred-
  This is wonderful.  I love it.
  I wish more people would go to
  the pound and rescue those
  death row dogs...would rescue
  them all myself if I could.  
  Thanks for sharing this.

  -vicky




"...until you have read the verse on his
heart, you have not truely met the poet."
-vlraynes



The Lonely Stranger
Member
since 1999-06-18
Posts 361
Upstate, NY, USA
11 posted 2000-10-05 10:58 PM


I have read & enjoyed many poems on this site. However this gets my Top 5 vote. This poem has a message and a heart.

I absolutely LOVE it

Thank you for giving this to us.
TLS

Fred Hobbs
Member
since 1999-06-08
Posts 329
Tallahassee, Florida, US
12 posted 2000-10-06 09:35 AM


Maria,  It's had a very happy ending.  Thanks

Irish Rose, Thank you and thanks for welcoming me.  Actually I've been here almost from the start.  Just don't write too often.

Sy, Now that I know what it means I'm even more appreciative.

Balladeer,  Coming from you I consider that the highest praise.

Vicky,  Sparky and I thank you.

TLS,  Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.  

LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
13 posted 2000-10-06 09:47 AM


Fred - This is a great piece of writing.  The story is well developed, and the ending is fantastic.  The flow, too, is smooth as it gets.  Thanks for posting this story.  Although, in some ways, it makes me regret my kitty kicking, and we can't have that.
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