Midge

Just before the ridge there sat a wooden bridge
And it's planks had been in place a year or two.
In the grass almost forgotten was a log which had gone rotten
And was hollow end to end the whole way through.

Inside the rotten log there lived a lonely dog
No-one loved him so he didn't have a name.
He sat there all forlorn and watched a golden dawn
Scratched his ear and whimpered in his shame.

He trotted into town just to have a look around
And to see if someone would like to love a pet 
But when he drew up close people slapped him on the nose
And a bruise seemed all that he would get.

Battered, bruised and confused and a little bit bemused
He slowly limped his way back to his log.
I'd be a faithful little friend right until the very end
He went inside and cried, this little dog.

One night a raging storm which was really not the norm,
Swelled the river flowing underneath the bridge
And unknown to the town the flood was flying down
From the slopes and gullies of the ridge.

The little dog just ran to warn the nearest man
Of the danger rolling downwards in the dark
And the town began to shout as they got the people out
Thanks to the little dog's frenzied bark.

With the morn' the flood had passed, everyone safe at last
But the little dog was nowhere to be found.
Then came a cry, a sobbing voice screamed, Why?
His little body lying lifeless on the ground.

An iron bridge painted brown now sits above the town
The rotten log was long since thrown away.
Pride of place on the bridge is a plaque for little Midge
And the sacrifice he made that stormy day.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Nau Avatar
June 29, 2016 at 1:55 AM
I am seriously too sad, too soft of heart for the innocent ones. It also hits harder b/c of all the tremendous Fires we went through last summer. NOW IM ALWAYS packed to evacuate! I went through the flood in Washington State to come home to Fires of California. I saw horses, goats, & dogs burnt so badly. No one could catch them during the burn. This brings back the dread fear and nightmare. One year later, we are still finding pets. I adore the inner rhyme and your story telling skill. 7.
Jones Avatar
June 29, 2016 at 2:32 AM
Thank you very much Edlynn. Story telling is my favourite form and this story can be applied to people as well as animals. Thanks again for your kind comment. Much appreciated.
Allison Avatar
June 22, 2016 at 1:03 AM
I had a huge lump in my throat reading this Ian - you told a wonderful story:-) It is so so good to see you back here with us:-) hugs Jan xx
Jones Avatar
June 22, 2016 at 1:16 AM
Thank you very much Jan, nice to be back. I love the rhythm and flow of the old style monologues and the way it can be used to tell a story. Thank you for your kind comment, hugz Ian
A  Avatar
June 17, 2016 at 10:36 AM
Well expressed Ian J....skat
Jones Avatar
June 20, 2016 at 12:29 AM
Thank you very much, Regards Ian
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