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The Power of the Dog

by Rudyard Kipling

There is Sorrow enough in the natural way

From men & women to fill our day;

But when we are certain of sorrow in store,

Why do we always arrange for more?

Brothers & sisters, I bid you beware

Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup & your money will buy

Love unflinching that cannot lie-

Perfect passion & worship fed

By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.

Nevertheless it is hardly fair

To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the years which nature permits

Are closing in with tumors or fits,

And the vet's unspoken prescription runs

To lethal chambers or loaded guns;

Then you will find - It's your own affair

But - you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,

When the whimper of welcome is stilled (how still!)

When the spirit that answered your every mood

Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,

You still discover how much you care

And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way

When it comes to burying Christian Clay

Our loves are not given, but only lent,

At compound interest of cent per cent.

Though it is not always the case, I believe,

That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve

For when debts are payable, right or wrong,

A short time loan is as bad as a long -

So why in Heaven (before we are there)

Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear.

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