Old Darky Poem by Francis Duggan

Darky the old black labrador his muzzle with age gray
And Jim his master in his mid seventies says like me he has known a better day
He once could run quite quickly but his fastest speed now slow
And his date with the Reaper is drawing nearer though of death he does not know.

His neighbour's ten year old daughter whilst swimming got into trouble and she was being swept out to sea
But Darky he swam out to save her displaying true bravery
She grabbed him by his neck collar and he swam her to the shore
She owes her life to Darky the gallant dog next door.

The next day his photo and the story of his bravery in the newspapers a canine hero Nationwide
And Jim his master with him in the photo in his face the look of pride
Darky was a three year old on that Summer day ten years ago
When he risked his life for to save a friend great courage he did show.

Old Darky he is looking frail his better days long gone
And the weeks and days go quickly by and time keeps ticking on
And for man or beast time does not wait the years go quickly by
We are only mortal after all we soon grow old and die.

He once made the news headlines and his praises they were sung
Though that was ten Summers ago when he was brave and young
But now he is a frail old dog awaiting the Reaper's call
Like they say every dog have their day and so too don't we all.