Philosophical Dog

When Major saw a rabbit on the verge,

He leapt straight off the truck bed in pursuit.

Not very wise, he could not crush his urge

And so was dragged along, the poor dumb brute.

At home his mangled paw pads, bandaged, left

Him flat upon the floor.  He dared not stand

On trauma.  Wounded Major was bereft

Of energy and hunger.  Food was banned

By crippling.  Major could not rise to eat;

Sick days went by, no food.  Epictetus,

His hero, could not help him rise to feet,

But then my mother called our household puss.

  She set down food, called “Max!” and  Major leapt,

    Growled, GOBBLED.  We all laughed until we wept.

© Phillip Whidden