EVERYONE THINKS THEIR DOG IS CLEVER

Everyone thinks their dog is clever but mine (Jake, pictured above) genuinely was. I realised this after his death a few years ago. I was going through his things and discovered a poetry collection he had written and submitted to Aosdana, along with a request for membership. As far as I could ascertain from the dog’s papers, Aosdana never got back to him. Despite the snub, I find Jake’s verse to have an uncontrived primal quality that really appeals. Below is one of my favourites from Jake’s oeuvre. Have a read and see what you think:

STICK.
I see stick.
Throw stick man.
Man throw stick.
I chase stick.
Where is stick?
There is stick.
I catch stick.
Bring stick to man.
Throw stick man.
Man throw stick.
Stick! Stick! Stick!
I chase stick.
Where is stick?
There is stick.
I catch stick.
Bring stick to man.
Throw stick man.
Man throw stick.
I chase stick.
Where is stick?
There is stick.
I catch stick.
Bring stick to man.
Throw stick man.
Man throw stick.
War is wrong.
Pollution is bad.
Stick! Stick! Stick!
I see stick.

I like the parts concerning the environment and the insanity of war. Surprising, as he never showed that side of himself to me when he was alive. He always seemed more interested in food or sticks or impregnating that dog that belonged to next door. I really think his stuff is good though. The full collection is called Four Legs and the Truth and I’m considering publishing it myself. It’s better than Cathal O’Searcaigh’s stuff anyway.

IN OTHER NEWS: SALVO GUEST APPEARANCE ON RDC BLOG.