Old Dogs.(Poem)

 
OLD DOGS 
 
   John's brother Mickey drove me out 
   To visit the farm for lunch; to entertain 
   Me, he talked about his life, his fortunes, 
   His health, while crossing Lake Ponchartrain. 
 
   The dogs were everywhere as we drove in 
   They coursed about the car with yelp and whine 
   Escorting me and Mickey to the house 
   Where we found John still stretched supine, 
 
   The kitchen a-swirl with dogs and dust and papers, 
   A pot of steaming rice His eyes were blue, 
   As blue and clear as ever, but body vanishing, 
   His thin legs tremble as he shuffles up to shoo 
 
   The leaping dogs off me and peck a kiss. 
   Mickey warms crayfish etouffe midst doggy dissonance, 
   I cross my legs, dodge Pola's avarice beneath 
   The table but her snuffles persist on my linen pants. 
 
   Old Jello stood across the room, hind legs 
   Shaking, stares at nothing. Under the weather, 
   Poor Jello! Yes, John grinned, it's a race between 
   Him and me. Hired a fellow to ...