Chester and Roland by Bob Atkinson

Chester and Roland

(c)2012 Bob Atkinson

caught sight, two birds their prey
could smell damp feathered chicks

so close could touch their tails

refrained from growls and barks

the chase stopped here upon 
these bushes with thick leaves
reflex of many seasons
caused the dogs to freeze

a goal in life completed

with birds sniffed in the air

duty ingrained in their hearts
"hurry boss come here !!!"

no longer barking at the woods
while in a running frenzy
with soft breaths puffing dew
stood still while chicks pecked insects

here on the backside greenery

MacMillan's Point, that hill of trees

a well trained pair of animals

stood to attention, very pleased

no sounds would they now make

no barking allowed from them

no whining, sneezing, crying

or cracking twigs for fun again

paws lightly on the grasses

breath quiet and sincere

nice and easy was the way

they'd been so firmly reared

wait they would for their master

to walk up from the other side

when he was open to their sight

they would let their birdies fly

master would these birds shoot through

with those sticks that filled the air

with smoke and fire belching

where from they didn't care

he would smile and pet them gently

their reward for such good work

they'd rub shoulders with each other

and mark this place with lifted foot

so they could remember

the reward they'd loved so much

retrieving each a feathered prize

then

bounding up the hill for love