The Butcher’s Dog

I heard somebody say.


I heard somebody say,
‘as fit as a butcher’s dog’
but they never mention
how hard we have to slog.

I’m owned by a meatman
but it ain’t much cop;
I’ve got the run of the house
but barred from the shop.

Active twenty-four-seven,
in order to show my mettle
I have to work hard
and keep in fine fettle.

It is an onerous task
to please our owner daily,
to take him for a walk
and make him laugh gaily.

We do what he demands,
always at his beck and call,
either to fetch a stick
or chase a rubber ball.

As I show commitment
and break my neck,
the least I deserve
Is a rib-eye steak.

But what I get is scraps
at my keeper’s whim,
not enough to survive
and remain in trim.

I have caught a cat
who stole a sausage;
if he doesn’t share it
I will hold him hostage.

 

© Luigi Pagano 2020

 

 

 

 

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© ionicus 2023
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Bhi

Enjoyed this. Just felt that the ending didn’t seem like an ending, that it needed another to close it.

Boris J said he was “as fit as a butcher’s dog” when he emerged from his covid-19 period. Given his rotund shape that sounds about right!

B

stormwolf

Yes, made me think of good old Boris. Well this bit did…

But what I get is scraps
at my keeper’s whim,
not enough to survive
and remain in trim.

Our overlords are fat cats who give themselves hefty pay rises while the rest of us are going to hell in a handbasket (Oops just slipped out) 😉

Alison x

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