Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony
Jul 05, 2022

What Our Dogs Know

I always watch people walking their dogs
Hounds, pooches, mongrels, all of the dogs, really
Their noses examine every scent for messages;
the canine secrets we can only imagine

On these walks, the owners reveal things
about themselves if you pay attention
to the way they move with their companions

Hints about their character, how they feel
about their pet, the way they care for them
Are they patient, or in the usual hurry?

In a rush, ignoring all of the mysteries and wisdom
canine olfactory instincts insist be investigated
just under a bush, or the nearby fire hydrant,
the ubiquitous hub of four-legged communication

I wonder if these dogs ever feel sad for us all,
ignoring the fragrance of a spring rose, just opened
The crisp bouquet of a Fall morning walk,
streetlights still on and humming – “does the light have a smell?”
Or do they pity us because we don’t see value in rolling around
on the grey-blue remains of dried-up worms?

About This Poem

Last Few Words: There is always so much to see when observing people walking their pets. Tried to capture some of this - thanks!

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: San Francisco Bay Area - USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Bukowski

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Comments

Rosewood Apothecary

I’m a lifer for dogs. Always had one and always prefer it’s company to people (no offense). I’ve got a 6 month old pup now (pit bull, chow, lab mix) she’s challenging like most pups but I frequently grow impatient with her on our hikes. This is the product of myself wanting to hike with my heart rate elevated enough for it to be considered cardio and she uses it to display her skills as the world’s best poor man’s truffle pig for animal scat and territorial pissings.

Great poem and awesome idea
Tim

Michael Anthony

Thanks RA, and no offense taken. We also have a new puppy in our lives (Matteo, an Italian Greyhound). I think it's the complete lack of guile in dogs that is the most attractive for me (among so many other things, of course). Matteo is also a "poor man's truffle pig", LOL!. Glad you enjoyed this piece.

Cheers

Candlewitch

it has been a while since I have seen a poem fro m you. it is good to see you. I like your poem about the philosophies of Dogdom! I bet you enjoy your dog and treat him like a family member. or better, lol! I like these lines:

Things about their character, how they feel
about their pet, the way they care for them
Are they patient, or in the usual hurry?

I haven't had a dog for a very long time, as my husband is a cat person. but that's okay. I love cats, too. (I am a German Shepard person) and prefer large dogs to small ones. thanks for sharing.

always, Cat

Michael Anthony

Thank you Cat! Summer is always a distracting time for me, so I haven't been spending as much time writing - sigh... Yes, I am besotted with dogs, ours and other's as well. They have been great companions for my wife and I over the years. Really appreciate you providing feedback, and highlighting your favorite lines from a given piece.

Best

Candlewitch

I love dogs too, more so than children. we used to have a sign in our 0.7 acre lawn. it read: ( dogs & cats welcome! Kids Keep Out! someone took it and replaced it with a Trump sign...we burned it in effigy)

pat your new family members for me, please.

*hugs, Cat

Geezer

this piece about how dog-owners interact with their dogs! I used to have dogs, but now it is the unfortunate part of my life where it is not feasible and prudent, [due to my health and where I live]. However, I wrote a poem that fully explains the way I felt about one of my dogs and dogs in general. "Rugby" I am very pleased to discover that the first poem I have seen from you in a while is this one! Very well done! ~ Geez.
.

Candlewitch

i had another thought on dogs. my German Shepard/Grey Hound mix, Tosha could tell a person's character by sniffing them. she was very protective of me. she was loved deeply, I still miss her...

*hugs, Cat

Michael Anthony

I understand, and thank you for sharing that! I believe dogs can sense so many things we humans often miss. Our pets go away, but they are always home in our hearts.

Tangent: Who the heck assigned lifespans for cats and dogs??? I mean, some turtles birds can live a hundred years or more - WTH? = -)

Best