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The
Power of the Dog
by
Rudyard Kipling
There
is Sorrow enough in the natural way From
men & women to fill our day; But
when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why
do we always arrange for more? Brothers
& sisters, I bid you beware Of
giving your heart to a dog to tear. Buy
a pup & your money will buy Love
unflinching that cannot lie- Perfect
passion & worship fed By
a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless
it is hardly fair To
risk your heart for a dog to tear. When
the years which nature permits Are
closing in with tumors 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, When
the whimper of welcome is stilled (how still!) When
the spirit that answered your every mood Is
gone - wherever it goes - for good, You
still 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 time 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. |
