The Black Dog

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Mon, 25 Mar 2019
  • 1454 reads
6 comments
 
In the folklore of the British Isles
tales of a demonic dog abound.
Often seen as a portent of death
it is described as a hell-hound.
 
It is essentially a nocturnal beast
that no one would want as a pet.
The thought of such a creature
is enough to make people fret.
 
Darkness may induce slumber,
one might in fact sleep like a log
but not if disturbed or distressed
by the apparition of a black dog.
 
Usually regarded as malevolent
it is reputed to be a vicious cur
yet this cock-and-bull story
simply amounts to a wicked slur.
 
Not all the stories that are told
about black dogs are negative.
Myths of Guardian Black Dogs
talk of them as being protective.
 
Any traveller who lost the way,
confronted by a hostile stranger
will be met by a benevolent dog
and rescued from mortal danger.
 
© Luigi Pagano 2019
 
Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Surreal
Horror
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Well, the tale of the black dog certainly got your imagination going in this poem Luigi. 

I thought you put it together perfectly.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

My imagination does not compare to that of the Reverend Abraham Fleming who in 1577 wrote of the appearance of the ghostly black dog "Black Shuck" at the church of Bungay in Suffolk. Similar myths have circulated in many parts of England, Scotland and Wales.

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by forest_for_ever on

A lovely rhythm and a lovely poem my friend.  Having been bitten several times unprovoked I stay away from dogs, but I am happy for those who love them.  I love poems about animals and I really enjoyed this one.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

It is unfortunate that the colour black is associated with evil, death and depression. Churchill made frequent references to his mood disorder which he called his 'black dog'.
Superstition was responsible for giving a bad reputation to 'man's best friend' because of this colour and it wasn't the only creature to be so maligned: it is said that it is unlucky if a black cat crosses your path. Nowadays - touch wood - we no longer believe in such superstitious notions.
Thanks for reading and sharing your views, Graham.

Luigi

 

 

 

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

I enjoyed this exploration of black animals - the only (real) ones I've ever known have been wonderful. Did you know black cats aren't popular nowadays because they don't show up so well on Instagram?

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I absolutely agree, Claudine, real dogs can be delightful. Although I am not an owner I feel particularly attracted to Golden Retrievers. A friend of mine bred them and I saw many growing from cute pups to big soppy and affectionate animals. 
I hadn't heard about cats being unpopular but then I don't use Instagram.
Cherries though, unlike cats, are very popular and are my favourite fruit. So thanks for these.

Luigi x