Dead Dogs Can't....
Silly poem that accompanies my short animation Dead Dogs Can’t… An attempt to tell children the reality of death and loss but in a humourous and sweet way. The poem is intended to be read aloud in a soft, maternal voice. In the animation this was narrated by my dear friend Elizabeth Kennedy.
Dedicated to Foxy.
Dead dogs can’t play ball
And dead dogs can’t go for “walkies” anymore,
You can’t teach a dead dog new tricks either
Of that you can be sure.
Dead dogs can’t fetch the newspaper
They can’t because…well, they’re dead,
And they can’t gnaw on bones anymore
Now maggots gnaw on theirs instead.
You can’t enter your dead dog in the dog show
If you think you can then you’re barking up the wrong tree,
You won’t win any awards
Unless there’s an award for best taxidermy.
You shouldn’t dig up your dead dog once buried
It would be decomposed and mouldy so don’t! Please!
And you shouldn’t bring your dog back to life by voodoo either
Because they’re likely to just be zombies.
The sad truth is that dogs do die
With this fact you cannot vie,
Sometimes you can say goodbye
Other times you won’t even get a chance to try.
It’s hard to let go but best to admit with a sigh
That it really is better to let dead dogs lie.
John Douglas
Thankfully I have a soft maternal voice so it worked perfectly!
Paul Compton replied
You’re such a sweetie John. Thank you.
pinkyjain
This is funny, sweet, sad, beautifully written. Wonderful poem Paul. Hope to see the animation some day, sounds delightful
Paul Compton replied
I’m so glad you like it. One day when I get my head around technology I might be able to upload it somewhere. Thank you for everything pinkyjain. xo
jemimalovesbigted
classic Paul =D
Paul Compton replied
Hee hee, so glad you like it!! : )
purelydecorative
I’m still laughing- hope that’s not inapproriate, it just tickles my fancy…and “with this fact you cannot vie.”
Paul Compton replied
Hee hee. I’m glad it made you giggle. Best wishes to you : )
Robert Knapman
I tried a maternal voice and ended up whispering – which sounded a bit spooky but also kind. What a great read and…somewhat healing ,)
Paul Compton replied
That’s the best response I could hope for. Thank you endlessly Robert. x
butchart
sitting here in the dark… reading this aloud…... was very touched….. and glad the neighbors were’nt about…................................. you have a way paul compton…............b
Paul Compton replied
Thank you for reading and appreciating this Butch. I’m feeling a bit gushy at the moment so I just want to say a huge thank you for all your kindness and support. I feel very privileged to know you. XO
kossimarsalsa
this is really sweet, it is quite humerous really. quite different from the usual death writing you see. i really enjoyed reading this.
xx
s-a
Paul Compton replied
Thank you kossimarsalsa. I’m really glad you enjoyed this : ) xo
butchart
the feeling is mutual my friend…........b
Firedrake
I tried it in a maternal voice too but I’m not particularly maternal so it was just wrong. Then I tried a gollum voice and it was perfect!! Hehe. Then I laughed about the zombie dog bit.
Paul Compton replied
A gollum voice – prefect, creepy choice! Glad you got a laugh Firedrake and thank you so much for commenting : )
PJ Ryan
lol
how gorgeous
i love it :)
(oh, i just got a new dog today too LOL .. seriously .. a lovely labradoodle)
xx
Paul Compton replied
Thank you Nicole. Glad you like it. A new dog!! How wonderful! Labradoodles are lovely dogs, you are very lucky. xo
darkestartist
Paul, this was sad and beautiful and funny. “barking up the wrong tree” really hit my sense of humor, very well. reminds me of that one song they used to play on the Dr. Demento radio hour, “Dead Puppies Aren’t Much Fun” lol. although, i do love dogs and when I get one this summer I will no doubt be thinking of your poem…it has staying power :)
Paul Compton replied
Dead Puppies Aren’t Much Fun?! Wow, I must track that down! Thank you so much darkestartist. You’re getting a dog – yippeee!
Cathie Brooker
Well done Paul. I could just see myself telling Kindergarten this poem.
Paul Compton replied
Thank you Cathie. I’d love to see their reaction. All the best to you and thanks again for the support.
Tina Hogg
Ho ho, loved this – really funny & brilliantly so!
Paul Compton replied
Hee hee, glad you got a laugh Tambala. Thank you xo
darkestartist
yes i just have to sell a painting first, that’s our deal, but yes getting a puppy. lol. you HAVE to find that song!
Beth Mills
Paul has a job
he has to write
about dead dogs
and what insight
Paul shows us
and shines a light
on a whole lot of fuss
‘cos death is NORMAL!!!
Love your poem, hysterical, great imagery…maggots!!!! What a hoot! xx
Paul Compton replied
LOL!! What a fantastic response!! That’s so incredibly thoughtful of you. I can’t thank you enough for understanding and enjoying this Beth. You are a true treasure : ) xo
beast
i must admit i wasnt quite sure when i first read this, my dog died last year and im still missing her and some of the images here were a little vivid, but having read you description and rereading the poem i must say it does have something to it, and is actually a very well written and thoughtful idea, especially the last two lines which have a comforting quality about them, thanks :-)
Jenny Nestor
I’m a bit late in seeing all this but lovely cathartic thing to read while still mourning Charley.
stephanie clifton
your writings and drawings are wonder-full!!!! i like you very much.
big aloha,
stephanie
Paul Compton replied
Thank you endlessly for your thoughtful comments Stephanie. Best wishes to you : )
justinGC
sweet poem, also thanks for introducing me to the mountain goats via the link on your front page, i now have copies of heretic pride and the sunset tree (think the sunset tree is my favourite), love your work :)
BlackDogAura
Nice poem, I liked it