The Butcher's Dog

I heard somebody say,
'as fit as a butcher's dog'
but they never mention
how hard we have to slog.

I'm owned by a meatman
but it ain't much cop;
I've got the run of the house
but barred from the shop.

Active twenty-four-seven,
in order to show my mettle
I have to work hard
and keep in fine fettle.

It is an onerous task
to please our owner daily,
to take him for a walk
and make him laugh gaily.

We do what he demands,
always at his beck and call,
either to fetch a stick
or chase a rubber ball.

As I show commitment
and break my neck,
the least I deserve
Is a rib-eye steak.

But what I get is scraps
at my keeper's whim,
not enough to survive
and remain in trim.

I have caught a cat
who stole a sausage;
if he doesn't share it
I will hold him hostage.

© Luigi Pagano 2020

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