A DISH of liver, tripe and broth
Beside the bench_unwanted_stands,
Prepared by rough but kindly hands
To no avail. The brood bitch lies
Watching the beating of a moth
Against the stable lantern light_
A patch of black and tan and white
With grizzled head and wistful eyes.

Throughout the night the huntsman sits
Beside his fire, with mug and pipe,
Lean, wrinkled, gnarled_ the real old type.
He hears the night-jar's croak outside,
While saddles, bridles, spurs and bits
Reflect the leaping flames within.
Then, as the dawn breaks, faint and thin
A cry comes_ weak and newly tried.

Impatient of his anxious heart.
The huntsman stirs with crooked smile_
"I won't disturb 'er yet awhile"...
Too few would know him, hard and gruff
When hounds are hunting_cold, apart,
But let a breath of sickness brush
His pack_ and through the night till flush
Of dawn he's with them soft enough.

A dish of warm and creamy milk
Stands by the bench. And on the straw
The brood bitch lies_ wistful no more,
With warm pink tongue she licks her vest
Or soothes her babies, sleek as silk,
And views with smug maternal pride
The writhing bodies at her side,
Looking ahead to weeks of rest.

. . . . . . . .

And, washing up his breakfast plates,
The old man grins and ruminates.....

Submitted by:
Ann Kingston
Glenvalley Show Kennels
annkingston@eircom.net

This page has been visited times since January 14, 2000
This page was last up-dated August 18, 2000

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