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Washington, United States
loves: you win if you guessed "pets" and "museums". Also books, art history, travel, British punk, Korean kimchi, bindis, martinis, and other things TBD. I will always make it very clear if a post is sponsored in any way. Drop me a line at thepetmuseum AT gmail.com !

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

"only a dog"

They say it is only a dog who had died, And many think it is weak to have cried, But those who know the heart of a dog Have caught just a glimpse of the love of God. For there never has been a friend more true Than the dog who has passed away from you. And never more will you find a friend More faithful to you till your life shall end. There are many people who just pass by— Never lift an eyelid or heave a sigh At sight of the wrongs and cruel pain Inflicted on those who call in vain. Yet these are the people who often pray To a God whom they think they serve each day. But would never lend a hand or pause To see justice done to the good dog's cause.
Then they sit by the hour and watch a show Of animals trained by whip and blow, Then kept in misery day by day That you may be pleased by their brilliant play.
Oh, you men and women who love to pray To a God whom you think you serve each day. Just lend your help as you're passing by To lessen the pain and weary sigh.
Then the prayer that you often need to pray 
Will be answered by God, as day by day 
You seek to help, and never in vain, 
When you heed the call of a dog in pain.


-- Alice E. Wright, "Only a Dog," in Journal of Education (Boston University School of Education). Vol. 92. (December 16 1920): 602.

4 comments:

jerzowa said...

So very true!
Dear Curator, as a long-time lurker, first-time commenter, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful blog. I've been finding a lot of inspiration here.

Elaine Pritchard said...

That's just beautiful.

Love and licks, Winnie

curator said...

Winnie! I should have come by a long time ago and said hello.
Jerzowa, I am so happy to have posted something that touched your heart, and I will try hard to keep doing good posts!

parlance said...

I agree with jerzowa. So very true!