Under a maple tree
the dog lies down,
Lolls his limp
Tongue, yawns,
Rests his long chin
Carefully between
Front paws;
Looks up, alert;
Chops, with heavy
Jaws, at a slow fly,
......
Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.
(America never was America to me.)
Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed--
Let it be that great strong land of love
Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme
......
The gingham dog and the calico cat
Side by side on the table sat;
'T was half-past twelve, and (what do you think!)
Nor one nor t' other had slept a wink!
The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate
Appeared to know as sure as fate
There was going to be a terrible spat.
(I wasn't there; I simply state
What was told to me by the Chinese plate!)
......
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passion and worship fed
......
The tires on my bike are flat.
The sky is grouchy gray.
At least it sure feels like that
Since Hanna moved away.
Chocolate ice cream tastes like prunes.
December's come to stay.
They've taken back the Mays and Junes
Since Hanna moved away.
......
Orange sun is out, and we're playing house
My pets are my kids-until puss sees mouse!
Mommy loves to water her gorgeous blooms
While dog and kitty rest, inside porch rooms.
This Saturday, childhood seems left behind
When we make-believe, as the time unwinds.
Soon Mommy serves lunch-of milk and a bone;
And sandwich for herself. Jay sings alone.
Alice Hubbard's home was not ever cluttered, like azure roses, in rows.
Full of sun, the panes were never shuttered, typical where love grows.
Alice was fondly called, 'Old Mother Hubbard,' by people of the town;
And her dog, Bandit, was often spoilt, like diamonds, in night's crown.
Alice was a widow, and her children were grown. She still enjoyed life.
She and Bandit were blithe companions, like rainbow, since dark strife.
Dear Alice became somewhat forgetful, like absentminded, desert rain;
......
I was a prominent theoretical physicist, relying upon beautiful mathematics,
Like devout gardeners everywhere, rely on butterscotch sunshine dramatics.
Rose days were spent inventing theories, to address pure astral phenomena,
And testing the raw theories, such as what causes far-off, supernova trauma.
The indescribable thrill of discovery, imbued sunny, halcyon hours of delight,
Like the secret thrill of watching flocks of redbirds, rising up to golden flight.
My friends lolled on the lawn, in balmy, brighter days of spring and summer,
......
I worked at a boisterous animal shelter, which wasn't too far from my home,
That filled days with barks, meows and singing, like green wilderness zones.
I loved working with the various animals, and wished they could all be mine;
Just as stars collect celestial beauties, anytime favorable conditions combine.
Yet, I still enjoyed watching the animals, going off to the new, loving abodes,
Meowing happily and tails wagging, and setting out upon life's various roads.
Mine was a family of animal lovers, as they'd always been a part of our lives;
......
Once, I was passing by
an old post office about to die
and saw a dog who was shy
the dog made a very appealing cry,
from his little black glowing eyes
It was such a strange feeling...
was happy to have a friend like him
but sad for the person who left him
......