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Samson. The Story of a Border Collie.
| Open Poetry #40 |
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Samson. The Story of a Border Collie. |
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Rod Member
since 1999-12-08
Posts 149Auckland New Zealand |
They called him Samson, but in jest. They knew he wouldn’t be the best. The last of six, the little runt, He’d never make it to the front. And thus he grew, upon the farm, Did little good, but did no harm. But daily he was made to scoot By dint of master’s savage boot. Who cared but not a jot, it seemed, If Samson yelped, or jumped, or screamed. His favour was reserved indeed For those first-born among the breed. Yet Samson, though he’d been the last Through all the years his faith held fast. And not once did retaliate Though gruff his master’s voice would grate. He’d eat, and sleep, and lag behind The others, and began to find That not one noticed - even cared Just how his little brother fared. Engrossed, they were, with tending flock, And all that moved on hoof and hock. They were the finest - every one, Let Samson take his kicks ... and run. Then came one winter, bleak and hard The snows were deep, the cold winds jarred. The flocks were lost, their tracks were masked So cruel the biting polar blast. Old farmer Jack, he had no choice And ventured forth with stick and voice. Five collies of stout heart and breed Just one remained...Jack had no need... Of him, but after half an hour A blizzard closed with awful power. The evening, with deceptive haste Would darkly cloak the frozen waste. The dogs had scattered far and wide; Old Jack had nowhere left to hide. As driving snowflakes stung his eyes He slipped, and fell with great surprise... Then plunged into a gully deep And landed in a tangled heap. A broken ankle pained him sore He tried to rise - but could no more. Foreboding swept upon him there For winter had him in her lair. He knew too well a man could die Beneath such unrelenting sky. Soon darkness came a-closing in The snowstorm eased from thick to thin. A frosty moonlight lit the scene; No tracks remained where Jack had been. He shouted to his dogs for help In vain - there was no bark nor yelp. Alone and cold, in fear and stress Jack slipped into unconsciousness. Much later, in the dead of night, He re-awakened, numbed with fright As paw-pads crunching on the snow Seemed, in his mind, to come and go. A sudden warmth upon his cheek! He scarce could bring himself to speak. Then came, at last, to realise Such love... in Samson’s almond eyes. “Me lad, I’ve done you dreadful wrong My oath, this will be our swan song!” Old Jack was failing fast... and so Resigned to die there in the snow. But Samson’s will was strong and bold To keep his master from the cold, All through the wee small hours he lay His body like a warm duvet. They lay together all night long One heartbeat weak, the other strong. The dying man, in rueful folly Shielded by his Border Collie. They found them in the dawn’s soft light The rescue helicopter flight Directed by a small black dog Seen through the ice-cold morning fog. “It was a close-run thing,” they said “If not for him, you would be dead.” Old Jack stirred from his still repose, And Samson licked him on the nose. ........................................................... Now, six months later, on the farm, You may perceive (with certain charm) Five collies sleeping in the shed And one stretched out... on old Jack’s bed! Author's note: I wrote this after my vet complained that my previous Border Collie stry "Storm" (though she liked it!)had such a sad ending. Thus I hope that this poem restored the balance! |
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| © Copyright 2007 Rod Walford - All Rights Reserved | |||
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
a very touching story, and yes, great balance, not to mention, remarkable write |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
What a captivating story ~ and a compelling read! Not only are you quite the raconteur, you are also quite a poetas well! My attention ~ and my emotions! ~ were engaged from beginning to end! I was moved all the more by the fact that I always root for the underdog! I am also a believer in Aesop's fable about the tortoise and the hair.  Sending a loving hug to you and to Storm who now dwells up in the big blue sky! Linda [This message has been edited by Earth Angel (02-15-2007 05:08 PM).] |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Rod~ It shouldn't surprise you that I had a border Collie, named Killian ... he was so very special ... the years were kind to let us have so many of them together~ Thanks for this~ *Huglets*  ~*Marge*~ ~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~ |
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Rod Member
since 1999-12-08
Posts 149Auckland New Zealand |
Oh Marge! I remember you telling me about Killian back in 1999....that's why I just knew you'd like this!! Hugs It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness. |
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