NP- BECAUSE I MUST.......

[Charles Albert]

* The Power of the Dog*

   THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill
   our day; And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always
   arrange for more? Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware Of giving
   your heart to a dog to tear.

   Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie-- Perfect
   passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless
   it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

   When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or
   tumour, or fits, And the vet's unspoken prescription runs To lethal
   chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But...you've
   given your heart for a dog to tear.

   When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of
   welcome, is stilled (how still!); When the spirit that answered your
   every mood Is gone--wherever it goes--for good, You will discover how
   much you care, And will give your heart for the dog to tear.

   We've sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying
   Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound
   interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I
   believe, That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve: For,
   when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-time loan is as bad as
   a long-- So why in Heaven (before we are there) Should we give our
   hearts to a dog to tear? *Rudyard Kipling*

Rest in peace, Zulu, my beloved King of Dogs.....

love,
cfa
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