Tom Cunningham Poet Sonnet

Old Tige My Dog

Army service done, I was heading home
My Ma and friends I'd missed and Tige my dog
Served my three years never again I'd roam
I got off the bus, there was a dense fog.

And lying there was Tige my canine friend
Tige led the way, I started to follow
Strange way he went turning left at the bend
A dam was being built, I did not know.

I reached home, Ma was rocking in her chair
Said she'd wrote me about how Tige had died
Her words shocked me all I could do was stare
But I'd just seen him,  Ma wouldn't have lied.

Safe route had gone but Tige had led the way
She said Tige had died three years to the day

Written on 26 September 2018.
Inspired by 'Gentleman ' Jim Reeves classic song 'Old Tige'

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Valsa George May 15, 2022 at 1:48 AM What an amazing story ! He loved you so much that he wished you shouldn't land in danger. Though the surprise ending is something imaginary, you have made it so real.... Tom Cunningham May 15, 2022 at 3:09 AM Thank you Valsa, it was the Jim Reeves song old tige that inspired this one. Tom

CayCay Godwin October 27, 2018 at 10:37 AM Wow, I've seen movies about such and they're all 'ball your eyes out' movies, so is this poem. Gripped me, you did! Poetry hugs ... CayCay Tom Cunningham October 27, 2018 at 3:06 PM Thank you very much CayCay, I'm happy you enjoyed it, The old Jim Reeves song Old Tige inspired this one. Tom.

Eve Roper September 29, 2018 at 11:00 AM Great sonnet, Tom, when a pet entwines in your heart they are like family and not a pet anymore. The feeling of a lost of one is taken very hard.. Since my husband has died my Yorkie has given me reason to get up in the morning to feed and walk him. He has become my sleeping partner and gets very upset if I leave him behind at anytime, but he was like that before Roper passed. Hugs dear friend Tom Cunningham September 29, 2018 at 2:07 PM Thanks Eve, yes a pet is part of the Family . They bring so much comfort to you. You must never stop living Eve, Sonny would never have wanted that. Never easy I know but he lives on in your heart and fond memories. Tom

Roy Pett September 29, 2018 at 5:51 AM Brilliant Tom, Old tige and distant drums were my favourite Jim Reeves songs, thanks for bringing memories back, going to listen to them now, well written a joy to read. :)) Tom Cunningham September 29, 2018 at 8:40 AM Thank you Roy, hearing old tige gave me the inspiration, I had to do it. His songs were soothing to the ear. Tom

Joseph May September 28, 2018 at 12:56 PM Old Tige leading the way..Nicely penned Tom.. Tom Cunningham September 28, 2018 at 12:59 PM Thank you very much Joseph. Regards. Tom

Gershon Wolf September 27, 2018 at 8:04 PM Vintage Cunningham, I must say Happy Halloween, a month early. ~ Gershon Tom Cunningham September 27, 2018 at 8:26 PM Haha hadn't thought of Halloween, was just an idea that came to mind after hearing Jim Reeves song. Tom

Andrea Dietrich September 27, 2018 at 2:58 PM wow, what a great tale for halloween. Was it meant for that scary story contest? I mean, it was not so scary as much as mysterious ! a great tale. Tom Cunningham September 27, 2018 at 3:17 PM Thanks Andrea, no , it wasn't for a contest. I was thinking of that Jim Reeves song 'old tige' and used that as an inspiration. I'm away at the moment so have only got my phone otherwise I would have put the utube song on. Tom

Winged Warrior September 27, 2018 at 9:44 AM The residuals of the Spirit...even old Tige's...lovely write my friend...love & dogs...^WW^ Tom Cunningham September 27, 2018 at 9:55 AM Thank you W.W., Glad you liked it. Tom.

Timothy Mcguire September 26, 2018 at 10:14 PM Great and powerful poem! Loved it! FAV Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 11:02 PM Thanks very much Timothy, happy you liked it. Tom

M. L. Kiser September 26, 2018 at 9:41 PM I am old enough to recall hearing Jim Reeves sing. I'm glad he inspired such a powerful poem about a beloved pet who obviously loved and missed you, too. Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 11:02 PM Thank you M.L. Happy you enjoyed it. Tom

Lindsay Laurie September 26, 2018 at 7:28 PM G'day Tom … proof that your best mate does what he can to make sure you get home safe - sad poem with warm feelings Tom - Lindsay Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 11:01 PM Thanks Lindsay. Tom

Nette Onclaud September 26, 2018 at 3:14 PM tige lives within you, tom...i am beguiled by your endearing work!.. huggs Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 10:59 PM Thank you Nette. Tom

Anisha Dutta September 26, 2018 at 9:55 AM Unique one. Really I liked it I have experience how human souls can interact. It may happen with dog also. Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 10:05 AM Thank you Anisha, I'm sure a bond forms between humans and animals. Tom

Heidi Sands September 26, 2018 at 8:52 AM Wow I enjoyed this. and interesting when I say God, my dog will look at me :) Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 8:56 AM Thank you very much Heidi, glad you liked it. Tom

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart September 26, 2018 at 8:21 AM Tom, that is so well crafted! Excellent job my friend. Touching, hair raising, wonderful poem. xomo Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 8:23 AM Thank you Maureen, I'm happy that you enjoyed it. Tom

Janice Canerdy September 26, 2018 at 8:15 AM I really LOVE this, Tom. Jim Reeves--one of the good ones! Janice Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 8:19 AM Thanks Janice, yes indeed he was. I'm happy you enjoyed it. Tom

Line Gauthier September 26, 2018 at 7:16 AM Very touching, Tom. Love it. Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 7:58 AM Thank you very much Line, happy you liked it. Tom

Caren Krutsinger September 26, 2018 at 7:04 AM This is a powerful write that shows the connection between man and dog. There is no accident that God and dog have the same letters, Tom. Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 7:57 AM Thanks Caren, they don't critisise you or put you down, always loyal and faithful. Tom

Vijay Pandit September 26, 2018 at 6:54 AM How touching is this write! Depicted with loving memories..dogs have special powers..they look out for you always. I really liked your poem, Tom. Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 7:55 AM Thank you Vijay. It's often said a dog is a mans best friend, how true that is. Tom

Demetrios Trifiatis September 26, 2018 at 6:13 AM Intriguing metaphysical poem my friend, Tom! So well written! Loved it! Tom Cunningham September 26, 2018 at 8:00 AM Thank you very much Demetrios, I'm glad you liked it. They are such loyal animals without a doubt. Tom