Tied and bound outside Waitrose,
Why I’m here, nobody knows.
But right behind me, tied beside
My lead, I look into some eyes
I recognise, some eyes I know!
And, lo, I think I know that nose
As well, it’s black and damp like mine,
My Lord, a touch of luck sublime!
Who is this creature just like me?
What is, why is, how is she?
Her name is Poppy (says the tag)
I lift my tail and start to wag.
With all this joy, I’m fit to burst,
I’d better just say hello first.
I cough and clear my throat to say:
“My name is Daisy. To you, good day.”
Poppy nods in my direction
But doesn’t proffer introduction.
Instead she turns away from me
And gazes, blankly, at a tree.
I pull my lead ‘til it is taut
And march around the big food court
So I am level with her head
And then repeat what I’d just said:
“My name is Daisy, did I stutter?
This is where you offer up a
Name yourself, you sulky pup.
What’s wrong? Will you please just cheer up?
It’s not so tough to smile and woof
And give a courteous little sniff.
Try it once, I bet you’ll see
That being affable like me
Will get you far in this tough life
So full of misery and strife.”
On the mention of that word
My twin spun 'round about so hard
And glared my way with dagger eyes
But what came out was a surprise:
“Disculpame, no hablo Ingles,
Oh dear, gasped I, a Spanish pooch,
I was so blind in my approach!
I was too quick to criticise
A foreigner who’s probably nice!
I crouched down on four bended knees
And stuttered forth apologies,
I begged forgiveness and all that
Man, I felt a proper twat.
Poppy stood and stared at me,
Wholly uncomprehendingly.
On occasion she just shrugged,
Looked bored - as if she had been drugged.
Eventually Mum came out
I strained my neck to say bye-bye
And out the corner of my eye
I heard a very British grunt -
I’d swear la Poppy whispered…something awfully rude.
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