The Dog Watch
Gorse heath yellow, mowed
by ancient breeds of sheep
National Trust land, Thurstaston.
Echoing the cries of green woodpeckers,
cool shades of pine forests offer vistas
across the sun-showered Dee
of Wales and distant mountains.
Much appreciated by dog-walkers.
Pekinese, Alsatians, hounds, terriers, collies,
all left their steaming mounds
to engulf the careless foot
until the council solemnly decreed
a mighty fine for those
who did not clean it up.
So, to the letter of the law, along the path
today, you’ll find small plastic bags,
all neatly tied, preserving, each,
a sample that some dog has left behind.
Kept safe from beetles, worms and flies,
this treasure will, I’m sure, endure the tests
of tide and time for twenty years or more.
Author notes
Somthing here about the damage done to nature by those who love the natural world? Ironic, isn't it?
Written May 10th, 2006
In a list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 14 of 14
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I liked this, I guess the council should put trash cans along the walk. It 's terrible what is happening to the natural world, I think you captured that feeling.
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what a great observational write this was. I agree wholeheartedly. Its just rediculous isnt it
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i remember this .... looks good here .... premise is great and as always we become so clever, we go the other way ... the nature of human nature .. nicely done >>> GINA
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I am smiling and shaking my head in dismay... such is life.. brilliant walk in the plastic bagged woods.
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Yes, and excuse me while I go out to pay a much larger amount for my organic food, my organic fertilzer (Moo Doo or ChickaPoo) than I would for the chemicalized, plastically preserved types.
More than meets the eye. A bit of satire is good for the brain.
Lisa
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This was a great piece, it made me laugh and was totally unexpected. It has a great message and I liked the feel and flow, great work from top to bottom! Keep your pen forever flowing! Bunny
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Brilliant social commentary on the absurdity of political correctness. Just loved it and it made me laugh out loud
Great job, and Good Luck! -
a lovely way to express that sh*tty problem!!
you caught my attentiion and it did not waver, well done indeed! -
this is an interesting poem. it has a great message but was definitely not what i've expected! i never thought i'd read a poem about dog poop but this one was a pleasant surprise.
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Nice description of Thurstaton, and... good point well made. I enjoyed reading this.
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That entertained me, thanks.
The first stanza reminded me of our recent holiday in Suffolk, walking on Dunwich Heath and Kessingland Levels. Then such a switch, without pausing for breath - catches the reader off balance.
Well done.
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This poem moves through its paces now- does exactly what it is i suspect you are wishing it would do-
gives us a slice of your humor- a slice of ecological welfare and your poetic voice delivering it all with a deadpan expression and perfect timing-
well done vic
m -
Vic, seeing this one develop in the workshop and how you've brought humour to such a serious subject..
I love the colours and feel of the land, it's bright and green, lushly filled.. with doggie pooh!!! hehehhe
well not funny really.. but your poem brings that lovely british humour through, which we have
lovely lovely lovely -
This made me giggle. It's bizarre. I have often thought exactly this as I pass the little bags of 'treasure'. People are odd aren't they? Add to this all the bigger parcels of disposable nappies percolating away in landfills and the whole thing is even more weird. Loved the way this started out so lyrically and went on to ironic humour. Good 'job', as it were!! xx debs
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