THERE was grieving in the woodshed, <br /> <br />In the kitchen there were tears, <br />When morning showed that Tray was dead <br />Our friend of many years. <br /> <br />Ah, I can well remember <br /> <br />How the little children cried <br />And lifted up their voices <br />When the old dog died. <br /> <br />They clasped his rough and shaggy neck, <br /> <br />They called his name in vain. <br />No more when Tommy whistled <br />Would Tray bound forth again. <br />The children ate no breakfast, <br /> <br />But seated by his side <br />They mourned their dearest \ play mate <br />When the old dog died. <br /> <br />For thirteen summers he had brought <br /> <br />The milk cows home at night, <br />And all that time he 'd watched the house <br />From dark till morning light. <br />He 'd even rock the cradle <br /> <br />With a sort of canine pride; <br />No wonder that the baby wept <br />When the old dog died. <br /> <br />He 'd go half way to school with them, <br />Then stand in lonesome plight <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />And wag his Demosthenic tail <br />Till they were out of sight; <br /> <br />Then trot him home to sleep and snooze <br /> <br />Within his kennel wide. <br />Ah, how the children missed him, <br />When the old dog died. <br /> <br />They smoothed that dear old head of his, <br /> <br />And offered milk and meat, <br />And little Tommy tried to lift <br />His old friend on his feet. <br /> <br />In vain! that old tail wagged no more, <br /> <br />The son'rous tongue was tied, <br />And Tommy brought the cattle home, <br />When the old dog died.<br /><br />Robert Kirkland Kernighan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/when-the-old-dog-die/
