Are You a Dog, Too?

Irene Lee

Irene Lee

Age 10-12 category | Spring into Poetry Contest 2023 | San José Public Library

I am a dog.
Steady like a log.
I can jump and yip and yap all day long.
I always greet my dad, who comes back where he belongs.
I trust my people with my heart; I listen and follow what they say.
I even chase big bullies away.
I never throw cans or candy wrappers on the playground.
I never steal anything except for squeaky balls that rebound.
I rarely fight or make humans go crazy.
I rarely keep silent or get too lazy.
I can always make you smile.
Still, I know my breath smells like a garbage pile.
But no worries,
I have super digestive abilities.
I am rarely sick; my body and mind are very strong.
I am resilient; my troubles don't last too long.

I am a dog.
But I am not those dogs who try to glory-hog.
Those dogs lie to get something.
I never wag my tail or bark for nothing.
The creatures that we all call "people"
Are just like dogs; they are pretty much equal.
Especially the one who lives next door,
He too often wags when he wants something more.
He too often barks when he doesn't get his favorite food.
He hurts others' feelings when he is in a bad mood.
He often makes nature messy with trash.
Doing all those silly things, he ends up leaving nature with a gash,
But there is something about humans that I can't miss.
They keep trying hard and always practice,
So I can see this without a blur.
That he is smart like a dog for sure.
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