Old Grump

OLD GRUMP Old Grump, harumph Lived in a shack, No toilet, House out back. When approached, He’d glower With a face turned sour. He felt the world against him, And en-fenced him To be fated To live isolated. Then one day in May His front stoop suddenly featured A scraggly, mangy four-legged creature With droopy ears And expression mournful. Whose approach seemed to be only That he was lonely And a friend he wished to be As he snuggled Grump’s knee, Who, with slow comprehension Felt a loving attention. And, with a pat on the head, Smilingly said, “ You may be skin and bone, And I a worn-out guy But we can have a loving tie And never again feel all alone.” Old Grump lost his scowl And, with but a friendly feat, Sour was turned to sweet.