Ode to A Man's Best Friend
Manatita is an esteemed author living in London, UK. He writes spiritual books, flash fiction and esoteric poetry, his favourite genre.
My Sweet, sweeter, sweetest companion,
You bring such meaning to my life!
The stir of the winter breeze carries your familiar
Scent to my breath and soothes my forlorn Heart.
Many have deceived me; perhaps more will
Turn away to seek new pastures.
Yet you are dependable and loyal, a benchmark of fidelity
And commitment, in these troubled times.
I wish I could cascade you with roses, instead I tell you
How much I Love you … how much you mean to me,
Over and over again, as your steadfast gaze, blend into
My Spirit, offering great solace and never seeming to wane.
These wintry nights, we lie in bed, you, never leaving my side.
Even when I’m answering the professional call of duty
On long painful days, you creep stealthily into my heart, like an
Ever-attentive lover, tending to my inner desires with excellent skills.
I don’t know when I last felt gratitude from anyone,
For although they seem to praise me and give me glowing after
Glowing reports, they become totally unforgiving,
At my slightest mistake.
But you, like a flame that never ceases to shine, are always
Beside me, in my sleeping and in my waking, bubbly with glee,
Constantly flapping your cuddly gift with valour;
Filling my soul with your vivacious stream of beauty.
Long were the nights when you knelt over my weary frame,
Tending to my inner loneliness, your sweet tongue licking at the
Spiders, spreading their tentacle-webs into my emotions.
But you carried the redolence of jasmines in your breath,
And the power of Love in your devotion, which lifted the mists
Of darkness in my core, as I lived to experience another golden sunrise.
No parting, my Bruno, my Queen, as this is a relationship of serious trust.
For you have more than lived up to the cliché, that a dog is a man’s best friend.
Manatita, The Lantern Carrier 30th November, 2019
Maltese
Dogs and their virtues
© 2019 manatita44
Comments
manatita44 (author) from london on March 12, 2020:
Yes. I wrote another for next week. Thank you so much!
Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on March 12, 2020:
In your poll, I would have clicked on "all of the above," had it been offered. Dogs are indeed faithful companions and deserve the accolade of "man's best friend."
manatita44 (author) from london on March 09, 2020:
Thank you, Brenda. Appreciated!
BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on March 09, 2020:
Manatita44,
I shared this delightful poem.
Here is the link.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=123316...
manatita44 (author) from london on December 07, 2019:
Thank you Luis. I'm sending you another my email. Much Love.
Manatita
Luis G Asuncion from City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines on December 07, 2019:
So cute. Thanks for sharing. By the way, I like your new profile picture.
manatita44 (author) from london on December 04, 2019:
Good.
Unless you feel the need, Mary, I would not get one. They require a lot of work and will take up your time. You will also have to find friends or places to leave them when you go on holidays.
However, what we do relies on the growth of the soul … our own energies, of where we are at any given moment on the journey of evolution. Do whatever it is you feel would make you strong.
Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on December 03, 2019:
I don't have a dog but I have dogs who are my friends and they come and visit when I'm in the cottage. I just them in the summer but they never forget. They, sometimes, lie in front of the door of our closed cottage hoping I will come out. Our neighbour would send me these pictures and oh I can't bear to see them do that.
manatita44 (author) from london on December 03, 2019:
Rings a bell Dee?
Spiritual giants teach that we are ungrateful, but we also know this through experience in our own lives. Since it was done to Christ and the prophets, it will be done to us.
No judgement. Our thoughts, in order to survive, are mostly around ourselves.God is our only Friend. Much Love.
Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on December 03, 2019:
A really glamorous tribute to a dog.
I whispered a prayer:
Lord, please fix it if the poet thought of me when he wrote:
"For although they seem to praise me and give me glowing after
Glowing reports, they become totally unforgiving,
At my slightest mistake." (Smiles)
manatita44 (author) from london on December 03, 2019:
Hi Brenda.
You are so right! I appreciare this. Thank you and welcome here. Peace.
Shannon I was in Houston recently. I must remember you guys next time: You, Peggy, my lovely Nellieanna and so forth
BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on December 02, 2019:
Having a furry companion will bring joy to you for as long as they live.
It is so great to feel their love and see them anxiously awaiting our arrival.
Many will come and go...but our furry companions love is constant.
Great write.
manatita44 (author) from london on December 02, 2019:
Indeed!! Patience is a virtue of the highest order. i'm still working on it after many incarnations.
Shannon Henry from Texas on December 02, 2019:
LOL. Perhaps. No sé! But I've always said there's a difference between having patience and being patient.
manatita44 (author) from london on December 02, 2019:
Thank you.
Perhaps you are meant to learn patience or discrimination. Quien sabes?
Shannon Henry from Texas on December 02, 2019:
He's loyal enough, just worse than a toddler when it comes to getting into trouble and trying to discipline. Besides barking at the cats, he gets into the sink and pulls knives out if someone forgets to put them out if reach. He has gotten up to the stovetop a couple of times and ate our dinner. He's stubborn. He knows the commands given to get down or to stay, but he tests and to his absolute limits. Hardest dog I've ever tried to train. This is a lesson not to choose the puppy escaping from his siblings when the litter is being given away. LOL
I hope your eyes feel better soon.
manatita44 (author) from london on December 02, 2019:
Haha.
Does it lack loyalty or cuteness? Both my dogs are fabulously charming. Does yours misbehave? More training needed and again, not all dogs and cats go together.
My eyes are painful and I have to see doc in less than 2 weeks. Nothing wrong with pen or Spirit. Stay well.
Shannon Henry from Texas on December 02, 2019:
No worries or need to explain your lovely poetry. That's the beauty of poetry. There is often more than face value even with the lighthearted ones. I didn't miss the implications of human nature or the tone of hopefulness. However, I still maintain that my puppy needs some lessons from your dog. ;)
As for how I'm doing, I'm doing well but quite busy lately. Thanks for asking. Hope you're well also.
manatita44 (author) from london on December 02, 2019:
Yes Devika.
I don't have any though. Thanks.
Moses, appreciated!
Bronwen how are you?
Great to see you dear. Sorry about your maltese. Much Love.
Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on December 02, 2019:
I loved it! Dogs are amazing pets and are devoted to their owners.
I had dogs and since my move to Croatia I do not have an interest in having another pet any time soon. You show love for dogs.
Trooly on December 02, 2019:
Thanks for the wonderful article, What a cute dog also.
Bronwen Scott-Branagan from Victoria, Australia on December 01, 2019:
What a lovely tribute to 'man's best friend'! I miss my little Maltese mate so much, yet it's quite a while since she died.
manatita44 (author) from london on December 01, 2019:
I concur, Brother Eric.
I grew up with Mylo, my Grandfather's dog. So faithful, loyal, devotional ... he led a great life until he passed.
Dogs are one of God's instruments to remind us of loyalty, steadfastness, patience and unconditional love.
So good to share with you this Sunday, my Bro. My love to your wife and children.
Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on December 01, 2019:
I came back just figuring. I love the dogs I have been attached. I am youngest of six children. Until Sophie died at 17 I was youngest of 7. I remember my dad fixing her up (Dr.) when she got bit by a rattlesnake too close to us kids, she just went after it. Quite a fine lady she was.
manatita44 (author) from london on December 01, 2019:
Ha ha.
I just felt like dedicating an Ode to a dog. Something different and lite. They do reflect the qualities that I describe. It is also true that we humans will fail each other at different times. The very reason that a seeker seeks, lies in the acknowledgement that something is missing. In other words, we are all weak. No shame there or here. Acceptance is the key.
This poem touches on ingratitude and in a subtle way, can remind us that humans will fail us but God won't. The Supreme is our only Friend. You guys are forcing me to break down my poem. (Sweet chuckle)
Look at the comments here. We humans - like me too on other Hubs - take what we see or need, as it should be and move on.
Always great to see you Shannon. Is life better these days? Looks like it is and you seem to be doing well. Drop me a line. Much Love.
Shannon Henry from Texas on December 01, 2019:
What a beautiful poem! I'm more of a cat person than a dog person myself..... probably because I have a puppy who is harder than a toddler to keep out of trouble! He's balso Made My cat wary of coming around since he loves to bark at her. But I also have an adult dog we rescued from a shelter a year or so ago now who is all of the qualities that you describe in your poem.
Lorna Lamon on December 01, 2019:
Thank you for enlightening me Manatita. You would know in words that which you have always known in thought.
manatita44 (author) from london on December 01, 2019:
To Nikki
Oh, I see! you meant it the other way? Yes, yes. Too true! What separates us ... what calms the Heart is not gender but the level of Consciousness. So good to chat with you!
Lynne,
Quite a lovely take on this and I'm also glad that you love my dogs. Cute, eh? Om Shanti!
manatita44 (author) from london on December 01, 2019:
Haha.
My sweet Lorna, you look too hard! I do not even have a dog! No sadness here.
I write, like my teacher with the intention to serve ... to express the varying moods of the soul.
This is a lite approach and away from my very deep philosophy and is quite suited to certain types of energies or vibrations.
I also have sad poems which I rarely use, but they also, may or not reflect my state at all. They reflect the vaying moods of the soul and are simply conduits for a particular spark, where ever it may be.
Thank you so much!
Lorna Lamon on December 01, 2019:
A beautiful poem Manatita expressing the virtues of these wonderful animals who never judge us. I sense sadness within the lines, however, when we write on a platform such as this we also have to accept the harsh comments and try to learn from them. It is of course our own perception, but we are not perfect beings and this is not a perfect world.
Lynne Samuel from Malaysia on December 01, 2019:
Awww....and that is a very appropriate and adorable picture to use. Sometimes, a dog is more loyal than a human. Quite a great dedication, thanks for sharing.
Nikki Khan from London on November 30, 2019:
Haha, men got that too Manatita Ji. And dogs keep them involved and occupied. So no more nagging around with their wives. Lol.
manatita44 (author) from london on November 30, 2019:
Miz
I'm associating the dog's charm and sweetness with the power of Love for conquering my demons. But yes, you have a point.
Patricia
Thank you so much for your fine sentiments. Appreciations
manatita44 (author) from london on November 30, 2019:
Haha, John
I do not always think of gender in these situations. It is a strange kind of embellishment which I enjoy. It means someone or something really important to me and also adds sweetness.
Nikki ji,
Lol. Are you telling me about some female traits? No. No nagging with the dog. Thank you.
John Hansen from Queensland Australia on November 30, 2019:
A tribute to man’s best friend is always a welcome read, manatita. Just wondering though, is Bruno male or female? It is a masculine name but at the end you say “my Bruno, my queen,”
Nikki Khan from London on November 30, 2019:
This is something really outstanding for such a lovely pet. Such a great association you get from a dog. No need any nagging around.
Excellent dedication Bhaia Ji!
Blessings as always.
Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on November 30, 2019:
Indeed a lovely tribute to your pup. I have no pup at this time but share my daughter's when I visit and I feel the love. thank you for your passionate sharing. Angels once again are headed your way. ps
Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on November 30, 2019:
A lovely tribute to all dogs everywhere, Manatita. I miss having a dog, although I wouldn't describe our last dog's breath as jasmine. He was a wonderful companion. Maybe someday we can have another.
manatita44 (author) from london on November 30, 2019:
Too true Mrs L too true. So good to see you on this cold Sat evening. Hope your weather is better than ours. Much peace
Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on November 30, 2019:
Manatita, the adoration of a pet is so pure and honest. They are completely without guile. We are their universe and they love unconditionally.
manatita44 (author) from london on November 30, 2019:
Hi Lora,
Welcome here and thank you so much!!
Ioannis,
How are you, Bro? Ha ha. Glad I could be of service. Praise be!!
Hi Linda R,
So glad you understand. Wonderful! Thank you for gracing my page.
Gratitude.
Lora Hollings on November 30, 2019:
What a wonderful tribute to man's best friend! Such a lovely poem full of tender imagery and verse worthy of our wonderful canine companions! I couldn't agree more with your sentiments. Thanks for sharing this heartwarming poem.
Ioannis Arvanitis from Greece, Almyros on November 30, 2019:
Tears in my eyes, brother! Memories of an old four-legged friend who blessed my childhood with his innocence and unconditional love! Thank you for the beauty and the reminder to speak with him again tonight...
Blessings!
Sean
Linda Rogers from Minnesota on November 30, 2019:
What a beautiful tribute to your doggy. They find places in our hearts we never knew existed. They show us love, joy, friendship, loyalty & unending joy. God bless our furry friends.
manatita44 (author) from london on November 30, 2019:
Thanks Eric.
Appreciated
Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on November 30, 2019:
Wonderfully done my friend.
manatita44 (author) from london on November 30, 2019:
Ha ha, Bill.
I know what you mean. Lol.
I'm only joking though, felt like doing a light one today. true they are endowed with amazing virtues, but we are the highest of God's creatures and extremely special and unique. But I will stop here, as you know all that stuff. I appreciate the 'shout' though. (Chuckle) Love to Maggie. Thanks.
Elijah,
Yes, Elijah.
I once had a dog called Mylo. I was much younger then, but she was so faithful! An absolute joy to have around. Thank you for sharing.
Elijah A Alexander Jr from Washington DC on November 30, 2019:
In this life I have had only one dog for the year from June 1997 til 98 and she was a friend beyond friends but when it became time for me to return to the nomad life I had to give her away. I didn't feel it proper to take her with me into unknown conditions. Your words returned her to memory, Thank you Manatita.
Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on November 30, 2019:
We are in complete agreement, my friend. Maggie sends her thanks for such a lovely tribute! :)
