Scent Of Dogs & Scent Of Man Poem by Richard Stopps

Have you ever walked far with a wet dog?
Known the strong smell of his musk and mire?
Have you wondered if your dog could sense,
Could he ever know, your fervent heart's desire?


Have you ever lost a beloved weanling child?
Known the smell of that sweet baby by the vest?
Held a favourite sweater from drawer to nose,
Hoping for fleeting memories of the blessed?


Have you ever known your Mum's perfume?
Or your Dad, from a favored aftershave cologne?
Shocked by the memory in keen scent given,
Family memories retrieved by pungent scent alone?


Have you ever walked far in woodland rows?
Known the smell of a canine friend (now departed) ?
Have you caught yourself looking ever fleeting,
For their ghost in your mind's eye, etched & charted?


Have you ever longed for true love unbroken?
Love that none in space nor time could ever sheer?
Then you sniffed the faint memories renewed,
Reunited with those spirits, comfort without a fear?


Have you wondered what heaven smells like?
Then close your eyes on this earth; breathe deep!
And as you course the lonely path before you
Your wet dog is there, waiting at your feet!