Man’s best friend, a dog might be,
he dotes with admiration.
But regardless of his pedigree
he causes consternation.
Dress him up from top to tail,
shine his coat and collar.
But, what’s the bet that without fail,
he’ll lead you in to squaller.
Take him out to the finest park,
frequented there by poodles,
and off his lead, he’ll beg and bark,
and steal the apple strudels.
. Beware the dog that trains his master,
. it won’t be long before disaster!

© Tim Grace, 24 November 2010

To the reader: Fallibility. Temptation outsmarts the wisest of dogs. Despite training, when off the leash, a dog will revert to its natural instinct. Dogs are territorial so they will be protective of their patch; they’ll take every opportunity to mark out ground. Dogs are pack animals so they will be selective in who they like and dislike. As protective and selective beasts dogs are prone to social error: faithful but not always dependable.

To the poet: A light-hearted observation is good for breaking tension. The poetics of this sonnet flow freely. The words are on a long leash and the poet’s in control. The notion of ‘obedience’ is never stated but the poem’s structure is doing what’s expected. The poem is designed to be faithful to its master; true to its message… obedient.

a dog might be