My family pack are back at last - I hear Rob turn the key
I must be quick to welcome them! They're all my life to me
Did I tear Fay's nylons in my haste, and scratch her arms as well?
Put paw prints on Rob's office suit, and hairs and widdle smell?
So I chewed Fay's pure wool jacket! well, she left it on a chair
It was warm and soft and perfumed; I pretended she was there
And Aunt Molly's wedding ornament knocked off the window-sill?
I was speaking to a passing friend, as any prisoner will.
Next door neighbours are complaining - how could I disturb their day?
What about that stinking corner where net curtains sag and sway?
And the wet shreds on the hearth rug, with spread feathers billowing up?
Well, soil cushions make find play-toys for an active lonely pup
Did I nip the hand that fed me? True - it smelled just like my plate
And I was starving hungry, and I've never had to wait
And if I brought my supper up across the bedroom floor
Who filled my plate so generously, and failed to close the door?
It's dark down here and chilly, and I'm feeling rather blue
Perhaps a song would cheer me up? Oh great, Rob's howling too!
My new pack boss is calling me - I must greet him with love
But why the screams and smacks and roars and threatening from above?
I lost my mother yesterday and all my litter pals
I'm small and cute and cuddly, with a host of playful wiles
I didn't choose to come here, I'm only six weeks old
I want so hard to please them - but all they do is scold.
by Louise Maguire
Don't close the door! Don't push me away.
Why are you leaving? Don't make me stay.
Slow down the car, I can't keep up.
This pavement is hot and my pads are cut.
I've got to quit running or my heart will pop.
Every muscle is aching. Why don't you stop?
I'm so hungry and thirsty. Darkness is near.
But I shouldn't leave, he will come for me here.
Several weeks have passed, I am dead on my feet.
They call me a nuisance because I eat off the streets.
Every car that passes, I chase it to see
If it's my master coming for me.
Though I approach those that come near
With trust in my eyes and no sign of fear,
With hate in their voices and a cold, heartless stare,
They threaten to kill me - they don't even care.
They batter my body with rocks that they throw.
I will not leave, he will come, don't you know?
Overtaken with weakness, my body is numb.
I'm sick and so lonely. Oh please, let him come!
I will go back where he first threw me out.
I'll wait for him there, he will come, no doubt.
My thoughts are fading. My chest feels like lead.
I'm sleepy, so sleepy - I can't lift my head.
It's so quiet, so peaceful -- all remains still.
There is my master at my home on the hill.
Yes, I can see him, he's calling my name.
His voice is so gentle, his hands are the same.
He decided he wants me. Things will be fine.
I really do love him, that master of mine.
My tail wags with pleasure. I can't catch my breath.
He came in my dreams -- but so did my death.