Snap: Two Old Dogs
Pity our old dog! She's begun to show
(pity us) symptoms of dementia,
like 'barking inappropriately'.
We hear the tactful vet say how
it's canine alzheimer's, no less -
this explains much tiresomeness.
Other symptoms, worse nuisance,
may manifest - incontinence -
sooner or later, should death tarry.
Silently, respectfully,
we pay the vet his large fee.
Later, some wifely words in my ear:
'Grumbling inappropriately -
I'm thinking it's one of your
unwelcome behaviours, dear.
Then there's your uncontrolled noises
lately - your snoring - and your sneezes -
and public displays of hiccups.'
(Two years ago, to liven us up,
us old dogs, she brought home the pup.
Hasn't quite declared her intent
to do the human equivalent -
so far. Like a good book, we're hopeful
of being unputdownable.)
Look after me, young wife, in case
I start committing a nuisance
in some inappropriate place.
House-trained no more, we dogs, like voles,
may stink us all out of our dark holes,
should death tarry. Should death tarry?
Wednesday 29 August 2007
Max Richards
Doncaster, Victoria
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