OLD Ajax was a faithful dog, Of the best and bravest sort; And we made a friend and pet of him, And called him "Jax," for short. He served us well for many a year, But at last there came a day When, a superannuated dog, In the sun he idly lay. And though as kindly as before He still was housed and fed, We brought a younger, sprightlier dog For service in his stead. Poor "Jax!" he knew and felt it all, As well as you or I; He laid his head on his trembling paws, And his whine was like a cry. And then he rose: he would not stay Near where the intruder stayed; He took the other side of the house, Though that was in the shade. And he never answered when we called, He would not touch his bone; 'T was more than he could bear to have A rival near his throne. We tried to soothe his wounded pride By every kindly art; But if ever creature did, poor "Jax" Died of a broken heart. Alas! he would not learn the truth, He was not still a pup; That every dog must have his day, And then must give it up! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE YANKEE PRIVATEER by ARTHUR HALE THE TWELVE-FORTY-FIVE (FOR EDWARD J. WHEELER) by ALFRED JOYCE KILMER TO EDWARD FITZGERALD by ALFRED TENNYSON KENTUCKY BELLE by CONSTANCE FENIMORE WOOLSON WHEN THE FOLKS COME ALONG by FREDERICK L. ALLEN WRITTEN ON THE DEATH OF OUR BELOVED GENERAL STONEWALL JACKSON by CAROLINE AUGUSTA BALL |