A Poem

[Tim Tufts]

Damned Old Dog
Tim Tufts

When that chilly old blue norther tears the colours from the trees
And the flight birds get the urge to up and leave
It’s then I’d get the boots oiled and shoulder up the gun
It’s then you’d get your youth back and remember how to run

You were always much too headstrong casting out for far too long
Full of notions and a will that would not bend
But your casts seemed to grow shorter with the evening coming on
Smell of gun oil, smokey whiskey, and a wet dog at days end

The spirit was too eager and the hound was just too old
The freeze came on to early and you couldn’t take the cold
I was down to one of our old haunts out back the other day
Now I’m wishing it would snow enough to take your tracks away

I still see you in the morning when the frost cuts through the air
I still smell you when the dampness fills the room
I remember how I cursed you cleaning mud off of my chair
And I cry to think they took you home away from me so soon

There were times you’d work so pretty that you’d please most any eye
Then there’s times I’d almost bring about your end
Now the sun’s gone down the fire’s gone out the bottles nearly dry
And that damned old dog has done me once again.

To Danny and all the other great ones I’ve had the privilege to know and love over the last 65 plus years.
TT

[jim]

I know that poem Tim. Never gets easier.

[Gunner 38]

Your poem makes my heart ache ! --- I've lost too many already (over the course of decades) ; my current-one is almost 16 . --- I am trying to prepare myself for the inevitable again .--- It's not going to be easy .

[Sharon]

Brought tears to my eyes ,as I have a 13+ year old who still wants to hunt but can barely walk. I'm saving that . Thanks Tim.

[Cass]

Wonderful poem

[marysburg]

Oh Tim, thanks. I've never read that poem. Need a Kleenex now. We buried a very good dog 2 years ago, and I don't think I miss her any less today than I did then. It's not easy, but we choose it.

[welsh]

Oh Tim, thanks. I've never read that poem.

I think that's because Tim wrote it. Writing a poem for your dog is a damn fine tribute.

[Sharon]

Wow. I missed that. That makes it even more special.( I'm sorry about Danny , Tim. I know how it hurts.)

[Ugo]

That's amazing Tim!! My Emma is going on 12 and this is the first time I will go out west without her. There is this humongous void I'm feeling even now. It just won't be the same without her. Still, we will enjoy her hunting locally where I won't have to worry about her failing hearing.
I'd be lying if I didn't say, there are tears in my eyes right now.
What a heartfelt tribute Tim. I tip my crusty old hat to you Sir.

[mark_t1012001]

That's amazing Tim!! My Emma is going on 12 and this is the first time I will go out west without her. There is this humongous void I'm feeling even now. It just won't be the same without her. Still, we will enjoy her hunting locally where I won't have to worry about her failing hearing.
I'd be lying if I didn't say, there are tears in my eyes right now.
What a heartfelt tribute Tim. I tip my crusty old hat to you Sir.

It's a wonderful poem Tim. Thank You.

Ugo: wouldn't an Ecollar set low be a great help with your older dog if her hearing is going?