The Replacement Poem by Seamus O' Brian
The Replacement
She's not what I expected,
this replacement dog
who messes in my bedroom
because the grass is frightening,
and the shadow of the mailbox
is a menace, not to mention
the threat of squirrels and frogs.
She stands in the doorway quivering,
almost peeing herself because
the car is in the driveway.
What kind of dog is this?
You have the same bright eyes,
the same white fur bristling
wildly, the same black nose glistens,
but where, my shivering stand-in,
is your flag-staff tail, ramrod straight,
charging into the battle of life and
lizards and dogs twice your size
and half your fight?
Where is that swaggering haunch,
that devil-be-damned, if it twitches
I'll hunt it, if it runs I will chase it
down the roads, through the yards,
into the brambles and brake,
until I'm covered in burrs and
black as a snake?
No, you shiver, you cower,
your tail curls in,
you pee on the doormat
at the sight of a mallard,
and Coconut pausing
from chasing the angels,
must be looking down both
disappointed and pissed
wondering what the hell
kind of dog is this?
I thought the replacement dog might be your original dog changed by some bad exlerience or illness. But I get it now - really a new dog that disappoints you. Amazing how you can make skillful poetry out of any subject, Seamus. Poor dog, though. Who knows what sort of life she's had up till now? Maybe she will come into her own as she adapts to her new life and you will rediscover that feisty companion.
Thank you, Rini. It's not my usual style, a rather informal and crudely humorous take on dog ownership. Thanks for reading!
Oh, Seamus, you miss your Coconut so much. I hope this little feller makes his own mark on your soul in his own way. Maybe someday you will see him heroically throw his body between you and the advancing worm.... :) You ever-so-apt words and phrases caught dogs in mid-action- memorialized them in fact! ! ! Where is that swaggering haunch, That devil-be-damned, if it twitches I'll hunt it, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ]- 10++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Yes, Susan, I'm still missing Coconut, but—you're right—I'm sure one day soon Sophie will grow into my heart like Coconut did. Might happen faster if she'd stop messing up my carpet. :)
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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5/21/2024 8:36:50 AM # 1.0.0.1119
Neal, you make me feel sorry for the dog, sorry for your loss of Coconut, and sorry for the clean-up you’re having to do. The only experience I can relate to your replacement’s cowering is what I’ve witnessed with some dogs in response to thunder. Perhaps your loving him will make him feel more brave. I relate this poem to mine on our cat Sox. If you’re interested, see Remembering Sox and Like Her Regal Cousins. -Glen