The Dog's Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved
master,
for no heart in
all the world is more grateful for kindness
than the loving heart
of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick,
for though I should
lick your hand between the blows,
your patience
and understanding will more quickly teach me
the things you
would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music,
as you must know
by the fierce wagging of my tail
when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet,
please take me inside,
for I am now a domesticated
animal,
no longer used to bitter
elements,
and I ask no greater
glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet
beside the hearth.
Though had you
no home, I would rather follow you
through ice and
snow than rest upon the softest pillow
in the warmest home
in all the land,
for you are my god,
and I am your devoted worshipper.
Keep
my pan filled with fresh water,
for although I
should not reproach you were it dry,
I cannot tell you when
I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean
food, that I may stay well,
to romp and play and
do your bidding,
to walk by your
side, and stand ready, willing and able
to protect you with
my life,
should your life
be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the Great Master
see fit to deprive
me of my health or sight,
do not turn me away
from you.
Rather hold me
gently in your arms as skilled hands
grant me the merciful
boon of eternal rest,
and I will leave
you knowing with the last breath I drew,
my fate was ever safest
in your hands.
