The Dog room – Comfort

Give me your paw, Jim, for good luck.
I’ve never seen such paws – not ever.
Let’s sit beneath the moon and bark
at all this boring, noiseless weather.
Give me your paw, Jim, for good luck.

But please, old boy – don’t lick, don’t lick.
Just try and get this simple thing.
Friend, you don’t know what life is like,
and don’t know what it takes to live.

Your master’s kind and widely known;
you’ve had so many guests before –
and, smiling, every one has longed
to pet you, touch your velvet fur.

In your dog’s way, you’re bloody handsome,
with such a kind and trusting face.
And, needing nobody’s permission,
just like a drunk, you kiss and kiss.

Dear Jim, among your guests you’ve had
some of all sorts, some out of sorts.
But she – most silent and most sad –
has she happened to call round, old sport?

If she does come, I give you a command.
Since I’ll be gone, please stare into her eyes
and tenderly, for me, please lick her hand –
for all my faults – and faults that weren’t my fault.