Bishop

                   When I come home cold and tired
                   from rainy days and hellish hours
                       he welcomes me
                      so nobly and sincere!
                    That the world is once again
                        a warm place
                     that him and I may share
                       I love him so much
                        and he for me
                   I know for sure his life would cede
                       without conditions
                     as only dogs know how
                      he speaks to me loudly
                       with his bright eyes
                        and prideful tail
                      he knows my name
                      he knows my shadow
                     he knows when I am sad
                    he comes to rest at my feet
                    and comforts me with a smile
                   he chases butterflies and pigeons
                   he dreams of cats and mailmen
                   he drinks his water with abandon
                and eats in a rush as if there is no tomorrow
                  he delivers me from monotony's evils
                  and sometimes he gnaws my books
                    but I can't laid a hand on him
                       as he looks at me
                     with his big innocent eyes
                       he guards my sleep
                      he barks at shadows
                    he is a lovable furry existence
                 that somehow makes mine worthwhile
                    he is young and playful now
                but tomorrow we'll both be slow and weary
                  and I don't know if I'll be wiser then
                   but one thing I know for certain:
                     he'll love me as much then
                     as he loves me to this day
                   some loves last a summer time
                     some others a little more
                   we're asked to give as we receive
                 but a dog's love is the truest of them all
                    they only give, they never ask
                    and theirs last a whole lifetime
                  and who knows? Perhaps even more!
                    we are so happy my dog and I
                  when he is around I am so generous
                  that the world is such a warm place
                     that him and I may share
                         Futbolae
                     ©January 25, 1997

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Animal Wisdom

                They don't care if you have a bad hair day.
                   They could give a flip if you stink.
                (Sometimes they might even like you better.)
               They don't care what kind of car that you have
                 or if your labels come from Rodeo Drive.
                 They could care less about your portfolio,
                  your diamonds, emeralds and pearls.
                 And they don't care if you travel abroad
                  and if everyone calls you m'am or sir.
                 The neighborhoods fine wherever it is,
                    the furnishings all apropos.
               They aren't impressed if you're a gourmet chef
                even if you speak Latin, Italian and French.
                They don't care the degrees that you sport
                    or if the waiter seats you first.
               And they continue to love you in spite of yourself
                 even on days you know are your worst.
                   I think God gave us pets, you see,
                   to remind us of our lowly place.
                 You're only as good as everyone else.
                   Ask a dog if you don't believe me.
                     clb/3-6-98

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