The Cellar Door

The cellar door where I could find him,

just dreaming his cares away,

thinking of his younger days,

when he would roam

the back woods looking

for rabbits or a bird or two.


Cellar door was where he always

laid to escape the hot summer sun

and to take in the cool breezes,

that sometimes blew his way.


Cellar door where I would go

and talk with him and get a kiss

or two and a wag from his bushy tail,

putting my arms around him and

remembering our days of childhood.

Old Shep passed on in 1960, the year I turned 17,

remembering so many things about him and that

old cellar door.

wrote 3-30-11
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Dufresne Avatar
April 7, 2011 at 5:04 AM
Awesome poetry James. Brought back alot of memories of my old buddy back then.....He was not allowed in the main house but the cellar was his domain. Loved that pup. Our cow dog. Loved this piece, James
Leyva Avatar
April 5, 2011 at 2:39 PM
I'm not part of that group James, but I did write it for them. The jobs they have are the jobs me and you don't want. You say jobs are hard enough to find as it is but you know perfectly well that the jobs most of us are looking for are not physical labor jobs that pay less than minimum wage. Thank you for your comment.
Leyva Avatar
April 4, 2011 at 4:14 PM
Loved your poem. Thank you for your comments on my poems as well.
Guzzi Avatar
April 4, 2011 at 3:09 PM
and he will be waiting for you when you pass on! the Ojibway and many NA tribes believe ones spirit has to pass over a bridge guarded by dog spirits, your Shep would walk you over! Light & Love
Fraser Avatar
April 4, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Mans best friend indeed James. We have a Golden Cocker Spaniel called Digger. Apart from being so friendly, he has some really daft moments. Wonderful read was this....:)
Mehta Avatar
April 4, 2011 at 12:23 PM
You have penned a very touchy and moving verses in this write on Old Shep, james
Campi Avatar
April 4, 2011 at 11:30 AM
THis is a lovely poem about a sweet dog. I can understand your sorrow. Thanks for your comment, Jancarl
Horne Avatar
April 4, 2011 at 11:11 AM
Lovely poem, James. I could certainly relate to this
Aul Avatar
April 4, 2011 at 10:43 AM
A great write and a sad look back for anyone who has lost an animal friend.....George
Byrne Avatar
April 3, 2011 at 4:12 PM
dusty and charming : )
Onclaud Avatar
April 3, 2011 at 9:10 AM
i cried when my first dog passed on as an older kid... this pulls the heartstrings, james... so tender with that vision of the door..:) huggs, nette
Anish Avatar
April 3, 2011 at 6:05 AM
Touching work! I never had a dog but I did have a cat named Bilbo whom I really miss. Peace & Blessings Matthew Anish
Knop Avatar
April 3, 2011 at 5:22 AM
Great tribute, James!
Jordan Avatar
April 3, 2011 at 4:47 AM
James, forgive me for taking so long to reply. As always your poetry speaks from the heart. Toni came home from work yesterday with a pup. Love at first sight it was James. Mj
Maverick Avatar
April 2, 2011 at 11:40 PM
Soup Mail.!
Maverick Avatar
April 2, 2011 at 11:25 PM
Great words here James, it gives you a thought on things of eternal truth, contained in the (everyday) of life...
Johnson Avatar
April 2, 2011 at 7:36 PM
Old dogs are the ones who stay with us and never leave your cellar door Thanks for comment mate Old dogs are honest friends and great Don
Magness Avatar
April 2, 2011 at 7:18 PM
When I read this I think about the dog my boys have now. He probably wont be around much longer. My youngest is 10 and Ranger was a puppy when my son was 1. Hope they remember him the same way, he has been a great dog.
Poet Avatar
April 2, 2011 at 7:03 PM
Very touching poem James.Nicely written---kashinath
Austin Avatar
April 2, 2011 at 8:42 AM
Damn near shed a tear. Really enjoyed this one, James. This reminds me of one I wrote - posted way back somewhere on the list. Except it was me laying on the cellar door looking at the clouds and dreaming - just maybe 10 years old. Love, Dave
Durbin Avatar
April 1, 2011 at 2:10 PM
Dogs are so loyal, James, always greeting us with cheer. How you must miss Old Shep!
Kendrick Avatar
April 1, 2011 at 1:57 PM
I can feel your love for your dog..Enjoyed reaading this afternoon..I am glad that I chose this one to read today..Thanks for the stops by my work..I am glad that you found something there to get your interest about the "Bible"..Look at Ezekiel again...Jehovah-Shammah means Jehovah Himself Is There.It is one of the names of God.Sara
Devonshire Avatar
April 1, 2011 at 10:54 AM
So sorry to hear you didn't meet your own grandfather, James. I saw my father's father only once. He died on Christmas Day when I was 12 and I saw him in the casket. He had abandoned my father when Dad was three. Never divorced my grandmother, but the call regarding his death came from a "half-brother." It was shocking to say the least. When they buried the polygamist in a Catholic cemetery, my family went berserk. Sorry I rambled, but I'd never met him while he was alive. Love, Carolyn
Sweetheart Avatar
April 1, 2011 at 9:33 AM
Moving and touching write James about the special one who found peace at the old cellar door.. a great companion .. I am an avid animal luver luv.. and simply adore these kinds of poems.. about their rare qualities and special meaning to us humans.. wonderful words of expression.. happy weekend ...
Dietrich Avatar
March 31, 2011 at 1:49 PM
and a big Fave for this!
12
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace