Jessie: October 1993 – April 2010

She was just a dog, you know, a canine after all;
Simple-minded; eat and sleep, and at times fetch a ball,

She'd madly chase a squirrel, or see mailmen and bark,
Go for brisk walks down the street or maybe in the park.

She'd greet you gladly at the door when your day was done,
Then get her toy and look to you for lively play and fun.

When you took the car somewhere she hopped in for a ride,
Then back home when you'd relax, she'd curl up by your side.

And what comfort late at night as in the bed she lies
And greets you with that eager look when finally you rise.

Just a dog? I take that back. Those words I now regret.
She was a loving family member, more than just a pet.

How much she enriched our lives! Thus the thought occurs —
We know that since she touched our hearts, that also we touched hers.

Lancaster

As was his nature, he behaved like a cat,

Chewing on this, eschewing that.

Purring, prowling, stirring, growling,

Quite unconcerned as to the dog’s howling.

In early days, he chased birds and mice,

And fought other cats at least once or twice.

Alternately, he’d be peaceful and purr,

Or run through the house like a brown blur of fur.

Now his meow — an intended lion’s roar —

Will not echo through these halls anymore.

But he lives on in our hearts, for he was till the end,

A loving presence, a dear pet, our friend.

Ode To A Garbage Pail

Contained therein lies a mélange
of bittersweet orange rinds
and earthy potato peels,
attempting to blend harmoniously
with once-desired red meat
and yellowish-white egg shells.

The aroma gently wafts
in undulations
toward unwilling yet receptive nostrils,
like shimmering heat waves
from ebony asphalt
on an airless midsummer's afternoon.

A Lothario From Ontario

There once was a man from Ontario

Who wanted to be a Lothario,

But his problems were such

That he couldn't rise much

With regards to his ol' ding-dong-derry-o.

Some Shoveling Advice

When shoveling in snow cold and brisk

Beware of the dangers and risk.

Remember this please:

"Keep back straight, bend the knees"

Or you'll find that you've slipped a disc.

God's Words To Adam's Better Half On The Day Of Banishment From Eden

Leave,

Eve.

Peter Patter (The Security Man)

A security man (though a fair sort)

Used to pat people down at the airport

Till the day he got slapped

'Cause he misjudged and tapped           

Where the skin is less tan and the hair short.

Dusty Cowboy

After hitting the trail 

where I rode hill and dale, 

I retire to the tub 

to get a good scrub. 

What method’s a must 

to wash off this dust? 

The cleansing solution 

is in this ablution.