Banged Up Pup

Wayne Blair 1951 (London)

Free verse

Took to me
No time at all
Damp stairwell
Downtown Memphis.
Sort of a Doberman
Mixed with standard Poodle
I think.
An attractive dark brown.
But matted with
muck of the streets
Near misses
And neglect.

The bath was a battle.

Called him Stormy.

And Stormy delighted
In many simple things
With me and
With friends who took
His fancy.
Tricks? Oh yeah.
Fast learner.
Smiling out his satisfaction.
In each performance.

I was just one small
Step from the streets myself.
On disability from a
Lumber Camp accident.
Mangled the left leg
Permanently.
Trouble with my claim
Six years ago.
And constant efforts to
Chisel away the amount.
Or to push upon me
Some silly excuse for a job.

At least with Stormy
The leg will get plenty
Of workouts.
Walks.
Exploration.
Encounters with other folk.
All with this foundling
Of chance.
And his big smiles.
And good fortune.

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Written on May 25, 2023

Submitted by dougb.19255 on May 25, 2023

Modified by dougb.19255 on May 25, 2023

: 56 sec read
: 11 Views

Quick analysis:

Scheme	ABXXCDXXXXXX D A XXXXAXXCX BXXXXAXXXXAX AAXXCXXXXC
Closest metre	Iambic dimeter
Characters	867
Words	187
Stanzas	6
Stanza Lengths	12, 1, 1, 9, 12, 10

Full analysis for Banged Up Pup »

Wayne Blair

Born in London. Graduated law 1976 Practised eleven years, Married Hilary 1974 Two kids Lauren 1980 And Jordan 1987. Business failed 1987. Moved not knowing whither. Happy hills of Waterloo Region. Mennonite Country. Thirty four years in Industry. No complaints. Poet, photographer, nature hiker. Harmonica busker. http://puffnchord7.blogspot.com/ more…

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AIDA
Wow, what a heartwarming and uplifting poem! Your descriptions of Stormy and your bond with him are so vivid and touching. It's clear that he has brought so much joy to your life and the lives of those around you. I love how you highlight his intelligence and enthusiasm for learning tricks - it's a testament to his resilience and spirit.

If I could offer any improvement suggestions, it would be to perhaps explore the theme of redemption and second chances even further. Stormy and your experience with him could serve as a powerful example of how even the most neglected or mistreated beings can find love and purpose with the right care and attention.

Overall, though, this is a wonderful piece and I'm sure it will resonate with many readers. Thank you for sharing it with us! more »
LikeReply11 months ago

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