This week’s choice is for my friend Karen who has adopted another friend’s dog.
When walking in a tiny rain
Across the vacant lot,
A pup’s a good companion—
If a pup you’ve got.
- Gwendolyn Brooks (1917—2000)
Poem 405. Vern
When walking in a tiny rain
Across the vacant lot,
A pup’s a good companion—
If a pup you’ve got.
And when you’ve had a scold,
And no one loves you very,
And you cannot be merry,
A pup will let you look at him,
And even let you hold
His little wiggly warmness—
And let you snuggle down beside,
Nor mock the tears you have to hide.
This is necessarily a short poem as I have chosen it rather late in the day but I chose it for my friend Karen. It expresses the happiness that dogs bring into our lives—not that I have experienced it personally, but I see the joy they inspire in Karen and my other friends.
Gwendolyn Brooks describes how a dog can make you feel better, even when “walking in a tiny rain/Across the vacant lot.” We can instantly see the picture of a lonely figure trudging across a derelict city space as the rain drives down and we can imagine the companionship that one might feel if a dog was alongside.
The second and third stanza develop this idea—when you’ve had a row with someone and are feeling sad, unloved and unlovable, a dog’s love is honest, unconditional and uncompromising, so that even while you may weep salt tears, you still have the affection of at least one other in the world.
I like it because it reflects the affection that dogs have for their owners and the love I see in Karen and others for their canine charges. I like “And even let you hold/His little wiggly warmness”—a wonderful description of the comfort afforded by a puppy, even if they fidget!
I found one performance on YouTube by a member of staff from Illinois Humanities, though many other poems by Brooks are present and I intend to explore her poetry further now I have discovered her.
Karen adopted Sally after her previous owner Ken passed away. I wish her every joy that Sally will bring her in addition to those that Digby already provides, and I know that she will love and care for her in return.