I have a fine dog, his name is Jerry, And he's always awaggin' his tail; His teeth are sharp and he likes to bark When he runs to the box for the mail. With the boys all gone to school one day And Jerry left behind, He was so lonesome he took a notion The boys he'd seek to find. So he broke a rule and went to school And hung around all day; Along the route when school was out We find our Jerry at play. With Jerry, my doggie, we've lots of fun, More than with any toy; Romping and barking, skipping and larking -- Just the dog for a boy. But young Mr. Jerry with coat so hairy Must learn to be more neat; All dripping and wet himself will set On the porch with his dirty feet! Got to look out what Jerry's about, He can't keep this thing up; He, you know, might have to go -- Mother wants no "mussy pup!" I'll build a snug house for Jerry, I will, A shelter from the storm; On a bed of old clothes he may lie there and doze, Safe from hurt or harm. And I'm going to see if mother'll agree To give him another show; I think when he's older and bigger and bolder, In wisdom, too, he will grow. Oh, I'll not forsake him; no one shall take him -- My pal as long as he lives; How could he know where it's naughty to go? Poor doggie! We ought to forgive -- And teach him to stay from the porch in his play And worry good mother no more; And that will go better, no longer to fret her By shaking his coat on the floor. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE PHANTOM KISS by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE VOYAGE by CAROLINE ATHERTON BRIGGS MASON ON A YOUNG BRIDE DROWNED IN THE BOSPHORUS by AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS A DAISY FROM THE PARTHENON by CHARLOTTE FISKE BATES FRAGMENTS INTENDED FOR DEATH'S JEST-BOOK: A LOFTY MIND by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |