GREETINGS WITH LOVE . . . .

From a Lonely Dog

I wish someone would tell me what it is
That I've done wrong.
Why do I have to stay chained up and be
Left alone so long?
They seemed so glad to have me when
I came here as a pup.
There were so many things we'd do
While I was growing up.
The Master said he'd train me as a
companion and a friend.
The Mistress said she'd never fear
To be left alone again.
The children said they'd feed me and
Brush me every day.
They'd play with me and walk me
If I would only stay.
But now the Master "hasn't Time"
The Mistress says I shed.
She doesn't want me in the house
Not even to be fed.
The children never walk me
They always say, "Not now".
I wish that I could please them.
Won't someone tell me how?
All I had, you see, was love.
I wish they would explain
Why they said they wanted mine,
And then left it on a chain.

· Edith Lassen Johnson