ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

This is a bit of nonsense that was prompted by a topic on another website.
I thought Maureen might like it.

What Breed of Dog is That?
(c) Zondrae King (Corrimal) 09/12

Perhaps I shouldn’t ask this for I haven’t got a clue
what breed of dog that this could be. It must be something new!
The fur that grows upon it’s back, could not be classed as hair.
It’s not one of the common breeds. Of that I’ll surely sware.

At first I thought I recognised a touch of Bassett Hound
but then I’m sure his ‘what’s it’s name’ it too far from the ground.
It has the look of something smooth, with hair as black as pitch.
It doesn’t have a keen eye like a Kelpie working bitch.

I wonder, did you buy him or did your bitch drop a litter
and all the others pups were gone but this one was a sitter.
And did you dock the tail so short or did he come like that.
His high and rounded rump reminds me of my old Manx cat.

I’d say, from my experience, he’s faithful to just one.
You let me shout commands at him so you could have some fun.
There's whiskers sprouting from his muzzle like a thorny bush
and as for leather on his nose, I’m sure you’d get a push.

If he was mine I take the time to clip short his toenails
but then again I guess he needs them long to climb hay bales.
But getting back to answering his genealogy –
it’s pretty mixed, I wouldn’t guess what his parents could be?

OK, I’ll have a guess but first, you promise not to laugh
I’ll bet his parents didn’t have a pedigree by half.
His legs suggest the taller breeds, - Bouzouki or Wolf Hound,
the ears are elongated too, they drag along the ground.

These days with those designer dogs my knowledge has been tipped
and as for being 'true to breed', well that idea’s been flipped.
I’ll have a bet on bittza. - What! I have to pin it down.
Ok I’ll say that he’s a Heinz, crossed with a circus clown.

You're so very polite Zondrae, you didn't use that word..MONGREL

I was thinking it sounded like a long legged hairy nosed wombat but then again I could be wrong then I thought perhaps a GSP crossed with beagle and then decided that Heinz was about right and Zondrae you were right - I do like it

Cheers

Maureen

G'day zondrae,

I just love dogs. They are always loyal to you at all times. I read this and it brings on thoughts about many pets if had in the past. I just love it because your poem brought that out in me...... Although, I must say it is a little epic; but its OK. I've been postulating of late. Sometimes I find the most wonderful epics are written with so few words. Just thinking out loud.

Nice work.....I just love animals.

PHIL

Hi Zondrae,

What can I say. Well done. An old boss of mine, many years ago found a pup in the middle of the road. Dusty and dirty this poor little thing seemed to welcome being picked up and placed on the floor of the ute. When this little guy got used to his surroundings he sort of stood up, so the story goes, and tried to climb on the seat but fell off. Getting up again he shook himself as best he could and filled the cab with a cloud of dust. The boss named him there and then, "CLOUD". As he grew his pedigree was often questioned and that's when he truely lived up to his name for like a cloud in the sky he appeared to be a different breed to just about everyone.

Thanks heaps for your poem.

tez