English poem
The Heart Of A Dog
by Katharine Lee Bates (1863–1929)
Where did they learn The miracle of love, These dogs that turn From food and sleep at our light-whistled call, Eager to fling Their all Of speed and grace into glad following?
Not the wolf pack Taught savage instinct love, For there to lack The power to slay was to be hunger-slain; Once down, a prey, A stain Of crimson on the snow, a tuft of gray.
Was it from us They learned such loyal love Magnanimous, Meeting our injuries with trustful eyes? Are we so true, So wise, So broken-hearted when love's day is through?
Where did they learn The miracle of love? Though beauty burn In rainbow, foam and flame, these have not heard, Nor trees and flowers, That word. Only our dogs would give their lives for ours.