Famous Dog Poems and Dog Poetry -
The Power of the Dog
We have dedicated this section of the
site to famous Dog poems and poetry. One of the most famous
authors of dog poems is Rudyard Kipling. The following words to
one of Kiplings dog poems are a real treat for anyone who has
never heard of The Power of the Dog. Rudyard Kipling was an English
Poet and Novelist who lived between 1865 and 1936. He was educated
at the United Services College in England. He is well known for
his most famous books - The Jungle Book and Kim !
The Power of the Dog
by
Rudyard Kipling
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passsion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart to a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-term loan is as bad as a long--
So why in--Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
The Power of the Dog
by
Rudyard Kipling
Famous Dog Poems and Dog Poetry
Please click one of the following links to enjoy our selection of
Famous Dog Poems and Dog Poetry:
Famous Dogs and their Owners
The famous dogs and their stories make fascinating reading. Try out your
knowledge of dogs, including the famous dogs and their owners by visiting
our Dog Quiz - Can you make it to the 'Winner's Hall of Fame' ?
The Power of the Dog a Poem by Rudyard Kipling
