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Open Poetry #47
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Old Dog
| Open Poetry #47 |
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Old Dog |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana 
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Wrote this about a year before I had to have my old dog put down. . . . Old dog, what is it that you think, As you lie there, staring up at me; With that one eye all out of sync, You'd rather be peeing on a tree? How long have we been as one, Growing into old farts, for what? Waiting patiently each rising sun, Even forgot your name, you mutt. What we have to show for it all, I mean for us living all this time? I throw you a bone, you can't maul, And I'm too old to make it rhyme. Ah, but there was a time, long ago, The glint in our eyes very strong. Chasing females, in heat or in snow, Loved 'em, left 'em, now we're alone. The zip in our stroll, Old Dog, is spent, We have arthritis, we walk, we creak. Long walks we took, you chasing scent, Now, its TV, we're two tired antiques. You lay there on the floor, sad eyes Looking at me, knowing what I know. All life's vital juices have gone to dry, We're just sittin' around, waitin' to go. You've been one hell of a fine friend, As good a buddy as a man could want. Oh, life's been good, we can say amen To that, and to death we still do taunt. ~ At the siege of Vienna in 1683 Islam seemed poised to overrun Christian Europe. We are in a new phase of a very old war. ~ |
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| © Copyright 2011 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved | |||
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Floods of tears Owl |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
I had a feeling, being the subject was what it was, you'd be the first one to comment. Thanks for the tears, Owl, but the old dog and I have no regrets. Well, maybe he doesn't . . . ~ At the siege of Vienna in 1683 Islam seemed poised to overrun Christian Europe. We are in a new phase of a very old war. ~ |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
I know . . . and I know . . . Owl |
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Lori Grosser Rhoden Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202Fair to middlin' of nowhere |
Jerry you are tugging at the ole heart strings with this one...I'm glad you got Zoe. Lori |
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naturegirl Member
since 2009-09-30
Posts 168England |
what's the old saying, "many a good tune played on an old fiddle?". This made me smile thinking of two old rogues who could still probably get up to mischief if they were so inclined. Lovely. |
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Namyh Senior Member
since 2009-01-20
Posts 988 |
JerryPat - This was beautiful. There's nothing like an old loyal friend who's 'been there and done that' with you. Youth may be where you find marvels of nature but age is where you find works of art. Much enjoyed JP. Namyh |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Aw, thanks Lori, I miss that old mutt, but yes, indeed I am very happy I have Zoe. Haha, we could probably still get into that mischief, naturegirl, it's the getting out of it that would be the problem. Haha Thanks for being here. That was sweet of you, Namyh, and I appreciate it very much. ~ At the siege of Vienna in 1683 Islam seemed poised to overrun Christian Europe. We are in a new phase of a very old war. ~ [This message has been edited by JerryPat2 (04-15-2011 11:05 PM).] |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Jerry I'm probably the strangest man in the world but I got a lot of relaxing humour out of this and a good attitude from your words. Life is very precious but acceptance of the different stages and levels is maturity well placed in the mind. Good stuff from you and old mutt. Eric |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
I don't think you are a strange man at all, Eric. I felt a sense of peace as I wrote this piece. I am very happy that you liked it. |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Very well written , my friend. Much enjoyed the read. Believe it or not I still, though less and less now, smell the "odor" of my dog, 10-years dead now, in the house - so far not once this year...a few times last. And I don't mean doggy odor still permeating the house... I mean walk into a room and suddenly you're surrounded with the smell of her; the smell of play-hot and sweaty-wet. Moments later it's gone. She was an Irish Setter...very loved one. Again...good, memory evoking write. j. |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Thanks j, for sharing that with me. I can absolutely understand where you are coming from. I have a feeling that might have happened to me if I hadn't searched and found Zoe to take up the space. Dogs are very special. ~ Don't insult the alligator till after you cross the river. ~ |
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faithmairee Senior Member
since 2011-01-05
Posts 1441Poe Haven, USA |
i know how it feels to miss your buddy...i had my dog Lady for almost eighteen years...she was wonderful and although it's been years since she passed i still miss her terribly...i love the two dogs i have now but i still miss her... your poem really moved me...great job on this one  There must be a poem in here somewhere. |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Faith, I also have another dog who I love very much, but yes, there are many days I think about Nipper. He was special. Zoe is also in her own way. ~ Don't insult the alligator till after you cross the river. ~ |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Dear Jerry, oh this moved me to tears. I think your old friend co-signs this poignant poetic creation. Great work you two ... and so true. Love, Margherita |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
I think he co-signed it also, Margherita. Thank you. ~ Don't insult the alligator till after you cross the river. ~ |
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Word Weaver Member
since 2011-03-06
Posts 437California, USA |
Okay, now you've done it, pass the Kleenes. But aren't we lucky to have those loyal friends to spend these twilight years with? |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Yes indeed, Marcia, I know I am. His replacement (how can you replace them?) is taking control of my heart as we speak. Thank you for stopping by. ~ Don't insult the alligator till after you cross the river. ~ |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Jerry...I have an old girl much like your he...who most of the time seems older than me. I know that her time left is not very long...still we hang together in a way that is strong. |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Martie. It was tough putting my old mutt down. The way the vet went about it was wrong and he suffered. I lost it, and almost put a fist in the vet's face because of her stupidity. I think about that day at least twice a week and every time I do I say to Nipper to myself, I'm sorry. ~ Don't insult the alligator till after you cross the river. ~ |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
I'm sorry, Jerry |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
True stories are always the best. Thank you, Sir. |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Thank you, Martie. You are absolutely right, Sunshine. Thanks. ~ Don't insult the alligator till after you cross the river. ~ |
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