Duke - a Soldier's Tale

Danny pleaded with his daddy for a German shepherd puppy,
But papa instead, suggested a cuddly kitten or a harmless guppy.
Danny won the battle and they visited the local city pound,
And the lad selected a pup named Duke to be his faithful hound!

Duke was just a little feller when they rescued him from the shelter,
But as time moved on he grew, creating all kinds of helter-skelter!
They became the greatest of pals as they roamed about the town,
And if anyone messed with Danny, Duke was quick to take 'em down!

Duke was a rowdy creature and liked to chase the neighbor's cats,
And dig in the neighbor's flower gardens, driving people bats!
He made 'deposits' that were not appreciated on many a pristine lawn,
And disturbed neighbors by barking all night long until the early dawn!

Duke fought all other dogs and was renowned as the city's canine bully.
A judge gave Danny an option, before the town, Duke could further sully.
Duke could serve time in the slammer or join the army canine corps.
He chose to enlist in the canine corps and was disciplined in the art of war!

He served with honor and distinction but alas was killed in action,
And was later honored as a hero in his hometown with this transaction:
Though once considered a downright nuisance and the village kook,
A monument was erected in Memorial Park to honor dear old Duke!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(c) 2015 All Rights Reserved
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Holmes Avatar
July 23, 2015 at 1:07 AM
A fine salute to a loyal soldier.. I enjoyed this poem a lot Robert...best wishes Peter
A   Avatar
July 15, 2015 at 3:51 PM
a sweet and very loving write this is, enjoyedLuv p.d.
Lamoureux Avatar
June 29, 2015 at 7:23 PM
What a sad and heart warming tale.
Muideen Avatar
June 28, 2015 at 4:17 PM
What a stunning write, you painted this with vivid imagery, and wisely. I love your tale Excellent .........7!..........A.M.
Laurie Avatar
June 27, 2015 at 8:16 PM
G'day Robert... another fine tale flowing from your pen. We don't hear enough about the dedicated animal heroes who fought in wars beside the soldiers - thank you Robert - Lindsay
Andresen Avatar
June 27, 2015 at 2:13 PM
- A really wonderful writing, dear Bob ... and I hope it is a true story - I like this very much - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Horn Avatar
June 23, 2015 at 9:35 PM
Bob, Is this true? Noticed that I am creeping up on you regarding total poem and recent poem categories. Haven't seen many poems from you in a while. Jim Horn
Smith Avatar
June 23, 2015 at 4:31 PM
A fabulous tale Bob...It can correlate with many young soldiers as well
Hinshaw Avatar
June 23, 2015 at 6:59 PM
Thank you, Tim - you are right it does correlate. I took considerable poetic license in the judge giving him a choice of the army or jail and I have heard of some cases of judges offering that choice to human miscreants! Great to hear from you!
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