The Seventeen Year Old

The dog came into the house long back
A month old little thing he was
Just like a month old baby boy
He was fed, cleaned and given all the warmth
An adorable little one he was.

Time passed, the pup grew and soon
Was a fine healthy dog
He returned with gratitude
All that was given to him
He guarded the house, loved his master
And all of their family.

Time passes, the same dog bit its master too
When he tried to cajole his pet with kisses
Today, the dog is seventeen, can barely see
All his bones are jutting out
He moves with difficulty, and needs to be
Fed, cleaned and given all the warmth
By his dear master – a typical human life.

________________________________15/04/2001____________________________

Written after visiting a friend’s who did have a seventeen year old dog.