deepundergroundpoetry.com
The Old Dog
( After Stevie Smith )
The sun-warmed porch,
its faded wood absorbing heat
under this arthritic skeleton—
once a conqueror of meadows
and dawn hunting parties.
I listen to my mistress
praise cardinals in winter
with a neighbor, again;
O! how pretty in snow!
You know—
it’s a deceased loved one,
visiting us now!
I curl up, unseen,
forgotten in age, think. . .
Ah! to be admired again—
a conquistador of duck
fox, and downed pheasant.
Trekking the bank
behind my Master,
retrieving his claim
of direct aim—splendid shot!
Tonight we’ll celebrate!
Those were the days,
before he died—
then children, all grown
up and moved away,
without so much a goodbye.
Did you know, Mistress crooned
to the visiting neighbor,
Cardinals are faithful!
Never abandoning you
in the cold of winter!
I stretch, yawn invisibly
while awaiting Death—
despite having it made:
eat, sleep, romp, and shit
is all that’s expected of me.
A daily brush, weekly bath
and plenty of treats.
Still, I can’t believe
it’s the best it can be—
not when Death promises
a new form, red with wings.
So I wait, impatiently
for admiration and love
to accompany the change,
especially when I return to visit!
Nope, I wait impatiently
for just how good Life can be.
~
#StevieSmith
The sun-warmed porch,
its faded wood absorbing heat
under this arthritic skeleton—
once a conqueror of meadows
and dawn hunting parties.
I listen to my mistress
praise cardinals in winter
with a neighbor, again;
O! how pretty in snow!
You know—
it’s a deceased loved one,
visiting us now!
I curl up, unseen,
forgotten in age, think. . .
Ah! to be admired again—
a conquistador of duck
fox, and downed pheasant.
Trekking the bank
behind my Master,
retrieving his claim
of direct aim—splendid shot!
Tonight we’ll celebrate!
Those were the days,
before he died—
then children, all grown
up and moved away,
without so much a goodbye.
Did you know, Mistress crooned
to the visiting neighbor,
Cardinals are faithful!
Never abandoning you
in the cold of winter!
I stretch, yawn invisibly
while awaiting Death—
despite having it made:
eat, sleep, romp, and shit
is all that’s expected of me.
A daily brush, weekly bath
and plenty of treats.
Still, I can’t believe
it’s the best it can be—
not when Death promises
a new form, red with wings.
So I wait, impatiently
for admiration and love
to accompany the change,
especially when I return to visit!
Nope, I wait impatiently
for just how good Life can be.
~
#StevieSmith
Written by
Ahavati
(Tams)
Published 3rd Feb 2020
| Edited 13th Feb 2020
Author's Note
For the Classic Corner Comp, Alone in the Woods: https://deepundergroundpoetry.com/forum/competitions/read/11244/
Inspirational Poem, The Frog Prince: https://poetryarchive.org/poem/frog-prince/
Inspirational Poem, The Frog Prince: https://poetryarchive.org/poem/frog-prince/
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 24
reading list entries 13
comments 36
reads 1287
Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
Re. The Old Dog
Anonymous
3rd Feb 2020 3:57pm
This is so wonderful! It nudges the reader towards the reality that we are truly never complacent. And rightly so - there is always something to look forward to, even when life is going grand and you think it can't get any better than this. To close yourself off to possibilities, to say it is impossible is to say life and existence is pointless - a true death sentence for the spirit.
📝❤
📝❤
2
Re: Re. The Old Dog
3rd Feb 2020 4:11pm
I really enjoy the varying perspectives of readers; I think it reveals so much about the heart of a person. Thank you always for your love and support, as well as taking time to host these Classics with me. 📝❤
Re: Re. The Old Dog
Anonymous
3rd Feb 2020 4:21pm
Ironically in contrast with my comment, I can't think of anything better to be doing with this life of mine.
Now THAT is the truth.
❤
Now THAT is the truth.
❤
0
Re. The Old Dog
3rd Feb 2020 9:17pm
Beautiful. I loves the flow and could feel every word. This really made me smile. Good flow and emotion throughout.
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 00:22am
Re: Re. The Old Dog
You were right. I did fail to share my vision so instead I spoke it. You can't understand me if you don't hear my voice. Sometimes I get si caught up that I forget the simple things. I'm not sure of myself so I hide. By hiding i can't be found.
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 00:57am
It's how we ALL learn to allow the voice of poetry to speak for itself, rather than us explaining it. If that voice reaches but one person, that is the one who was ready to receive the message as you intended.
Re. The Old Dog
3rd Feb 2020 10:11pm
Re: Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 00:23am
Re. The Old Dog
4th Feb 2020 1:35am
As well as Stevie spoke with the voice of a frog, you've done as an old hound.
Thanks to Ahavati and Stevie, I imagine that in death there can beauty. They've both caused me to wonder what dimension awaits me.
Thanks to Ahavati and Stevie, I imagine that in death there can beauty. They've both caused me to wonder what dimension awaits me.
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 00:26am
Stevie is a tough nut to crack. She's gracefully sardonic, and her poetry has so many layers of meaning. There were three to this inspirational poem alone. It was tough choosing one, and I may choose another.
We cannot tell you how happy we are that you've rejoined the classics, snuggle! We have missed you!
We cannot tell you how happy we are that you've rejoined the classics, snuggle! We have missed you!
Re. The Old Dog
4th Feb 2020 1:23pm
Re: Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 00:26am
Re. The Old Dog
4th Feb 2020 7:23pm
Sounds like this old dog is more advanced than most humans, accepting the cycle of life :))
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 00:27am
That is true, Josh. Whatever comes and when it comes is good enough! Thank you for the support, it's much appreciated.
Anonymous
- Edited 22nd Feb 2020 10:45am
4th Feb 2020 9:59pm
<< post removed >>
Re: Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 00:27am
Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 4:39am
The spoiled old dog near the end of day and his cute champagne problems... love it! I'm sure one can see more with metaphors... I just like the story, though.
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 12:44pm
Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 3:43pm
I think this is my favourite poem of yours that I’ve read. It’s elegant, old-fashioned, intelligent, compassionate, and gritty. The use of vulgarity (“shit”) is perfectly timed, bringing the poem down-to-earth in the same way that your choice of earthy and natural imagery does. The poem does what great poetry does: gets to the root of things, the grit and the truth.
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 6:26pm
Thank you, Jack. It's nice to see you back in these parts. I've missed your discerning eye very much. I truly admire you for your dedication to, and knowledge of poetry.
Re: Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 9:32pm
Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 9:48pm
Definitely. Wasnt sure how or if a dog understands death. They probably sense something.
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
5th Feb 2020 9:58pm
I have often wondered about their thoughts, and what they truly think. Billy Collins has a great poem about what dogs are probably thinking. LOL!
Re. The Old Dog
6th Feb 2020 5:25am
I like how down to earth this is, I started reading some of her poems and I liked them alot, I do feel the layers of meanings and contrast of the simple and profound in her poems. There is emotion, too under the surface. The old dog is a strong image, could it be an underdog, or a working dog? Its a significant dog, yet insignificant and its story has meaning. Nice entry:)
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
6th Feb 2020 1:26pm
Thank you, Pr. If any animal is down to earth, it's a dog.
Your reference to layers of meaning and contrast of the simple and profound in her poems is very interesting. She's a tough nut to crack! This inspirational poem of hers, The Frog Prince, had so many various essences I was literally confused on which to hone in on. I think, beyond a doubt, she is the most difficult to emulate.
I cannot wait to read your offering!
Your reference to layers of meaning and contrast of the simple and profound in her poems is very interesting. She's a tough nut to crack! This inspirational poem of hers, The Frog Prince, had so many various essences I was literally confused on which to hone in on. I think, beyond a doubt, she is the most difficult to emulate.
I cannot wait to read your offering!
Re: Re. The Old Dog
13th Feb 2020 4:24am
I just found this great article, the second half of which is about Stevie Smith. It describes how her poems mocked English life and how women were treated, almost a type of feminism. It was really interesting, helped shed light on her
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/articles/90643/your-thorns-are-the-best-part-of-you
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/articles/90643/your-thorns-are-the-best-part-of-you
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
13th Feb 2020 11:48am
That was a great read! I actually enjoy Marianne Moore as well, so it was a double-treat. Thanks for sharing. I feel another coming soon!
Re. The Old Dog
7th Feb 2020 11:21am
Dear A,
This piece transported me back when I had my horse. She was a beat up old thoroughbred. We would ride the old unused fire truck lanes, some of the most lovely countryside vistas. It was the only time I could get her to cantor without a limp. Your lovely poem has brought back many wonderful memories for me. I love how you’ve written this perspective. The picture of your “pup” is extremely adorable. I wish you the very best in the comp and thank you for calling to mind a lot of fun times trekking with my old friend. H🌷
This piece transported me back when I had my horse. She was a beat up old thoroughbred. We would ride the old unused fire truck lanes, some of the most lovely countryside vistas. It was the only time I could get her to cantor without a limp. Your lovely poem has brought back many wonderful memories for me. I love how you’ve written this perspective. The picture of your “pup” is extremely adorable. I wish you the very best in the comp and thank you for calling to mind a lot of fun times trekking with my old friend. H🌷
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
7th Feb 2020 2:37pm
Thank you, Honoria. I am happy it took you back nostalgically. Animals are so much more than pets, they're family. Thank you for sharing your story.
This isn't an actual entry for the comp; as hosts, Johnny and I are ineligible to win. We share to learn. xo
This isn't an actual entry for the comp; as hosts, Johnny and I are ineligible to win. We share to learn. xo
Re: Re. The Old Dog
7th Feb 2020 7:58pm
Total bummer you can’t enter. I am giving you an honorary medal anyway. actually, take the crown 👑I can’t find the bloody medal. 🙄. Xo
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
7th Feb 2020 8:04pm
Re. The Old Dog
9th Feb 2020 00:26am
There must be some kind of smoke in my room, my eyes.
Wow, I am in awe of this. It's truly a wonderful piece that left me smiling.
Beautiful work Ahavati.
Wow, I am in awe of this. It's truly a wonderful piece that left me smiling.
Beautiful work Ahavati.
1
Re: Re. The Old Dog
9th Feb 2020 00:44am