Poem: Workin' Dog

Feathers, intent on a squirrel, because the cows, cats and swallows were not available. 

Workin' Dog

Sticks she won't fetch, won't even blink.

Gives you that stare that only a 

workin' dog can.

Them balls better have a big ol

bull on the end of 'em or

she won't even twitch an ear.

A cattle dog can be, at times,

worth her weight in gold.

A true workin' dog.

They say a Border Collie can learn

over ten thousand words,

all I know for sure is she is picky.

"Walk em up" those play jus fine.

"Gettim to the gate" does well too.

Fetch, or play - a blank look. No way!

She knows the words alright, from

dirty dog to no poop to get'em

even when they are out of sight.

She's focussed, maybe a little too.

If it ain't cows she's chasing a few

barn swallows or cat's will do.

She's a lovely gal, all red and white,

with flavorful splashes of green manure

to 'scent' up your room at night.

My Feather gal is pretty bright,

but like a laser beam she's tight

to the point with no vary in sight.

There's dogs more loyal, true,

There's even some smarter 

(altho' I'm not saying who)

There's dogs who can do tricks

an some who can do math and such

but no one can run em down like her.

No other tail flying, tongue lolling,

narrowed down at the eyes intent

can match my gal a working.

Sleeping by the door she's rank,

that's horse and calf poop today

like a perfumer she blends the scent

An my poor nose suffers but my

feet are getting soft and my walks short

cause she's like a remote control dog.

You can stand on the deck, jus'

point and shout, she knows what to do

an you can sit back really easy.

She has a look she gives, an it ain't nice,

but it says, so loud and clear, in your face,

"what are you stupid? I don't play...

"I'm a workin' dog an I got no time for this

puppy frolickin and such. Give me a tailed end

and one with horns and we'll getti'm good!'

(Dedicated to my best cattle dog who came from rescue and my worst poop roller Feathers)

Copyright 2011 Shanyn Silinski