The Prison Mirror

YOUR DOG
Ted K.
A man's best friend may prove in the end
His bitterest enemy;
The one he rears may hand him jeers
And treat him ungratefully:
Friends who were nearest, the ones held dearest,
Holding his trust and good name.
Though their actions burn, may traitors turn
And let him down in shame.
He may lose his hold on his wealth of gold
It flies when it's most in need-
Reputation, too, may be riddled through
By an ill-considered deed,
And those who were there his gold to share,
Who honored him of Fame's crest-
They don't belong when his cash is gone—
He can face as he chooses best.
But there's one stands by when the sponges fly,
And he sticks with him to the end.
Whether right or wrong, whatever his flight.
That one is his canine friend
The one true pal, unselfish pal
In this world of selfish ways.
Is the dog that will stand by the side of man
And his every wish obeys.
When the world abuses, he licks the bruises,
Trying to heal the sting;
Close guard he keeps, as his master sleeps;
As thought he were a king:
Come what may his dog will stay,
The master's will is his wealth,
His prosperity and his poverty
Are shared with sickness and health.
When no bed's to be found he'll sleep on the ground,
Close to his master's side.
And shield from the storm the master's form
When wintery blasts betide:
And at the end of the trail,
And at the Trail's end, when the Reaper descends,
To claim him with chilling breath,
On his grave he'll lie with wistful eye-
Faithful even unto Death