Two's Magic Nose

Such a nose had Ol’ Blue. Best in south Missouri... everybody knew. Could smell a pheasant across the plain. Could point a covey in a hurricane. That’s the way the legend goes. Ol’ Blue had a “magic nose.”   As Blue got older, his master’s mind would drift away To a place where he and young Blue used to play. In the mornings, sitting over his coffee cup He found it sad there were no pups. He thought it would be such a shame If the only legacy was Ol’ Blue’s name.   So, Jim was compelled and full of pride; He made a search, far and wide, To find Ol’ Blue a suitable mate. No doubt, his offspring would be great. It seemed likely, he supposed, At least one pup would have his “magic nose.”   She was a Champion Miss from New Orleans, A beautiful “red” named Cajun Queen. But Blue suddenly passed away, before the pups were born. Jim was broken hearted. He and “Queenie” mourned. Then came the litter, but there was only one. Jim struggled for hope; after all, he was Ol’ Blue’s son.   Dappled and lanky, a handsome little cuss, He looked just like Blue. Jim made such a fuss. Naming this pup would require no ado. It was obvious. Officially, he would be “Blue Two.” Oh yes, these were mighty large tracks to fill. “Can he?”, folks asked. Jim would say, “Heck yes he will!” So his nickname became “Two” and he seemed to be smart. Soon it was time for his training to start. The basics went well, but Jim’s outlook grew very dim When, instead of pointing, Two would wag and jump and bark at him. Oh, Two seemed to be trying; but try as he might, He just could not seem to ever get it right. “Blue’s son or not, he’s got to go!” Jim found Two a “pet home” far away, in Tupelo. On his way back, he stopped in Texarkana. Been too long a time since he’d seen his sister Hannah. Six days and six pounds later, he was back on his way. His wife had said work was callin’ and he’d be drivin’ all day.   He thought about Ol’ Blue and wondered if and when He’d ever have a bird dog as good as Blue again. Oh, he knew another “magic nose” was just a far off dream; After all, it wasn’t something any man could scheme. A “magic nose” was a gift from God, only given to a few; And he was proud and very lucky just to have known Ol’ Blue.   As he turned into his drive, he broke into a smile. “Why… I can’t believe it! It…It must be 300 miles!” Two was on the porch, thin and dirty; but he struck a handsome pose. Jim ran and hugged Two hard. “How’d you get back? Lord only knows!” Suddenly, Jim realized; and struck with awe, he slowly rose. A tear trickled to his smile. “Why Two… you have a “magic nose!”   Two and Jim are best of friends, together everywhere. From milkin’ cows to bedtime, Two is always there. Jim doesn’t hunt much anymore, now Two’s a rescue dog. Just last month, he saved a little girl lost in Cooley’s Bog. Jim struts and tells proud, heroic stories; While Two wags and jumps and barks, and shares his glory.   Jim boasts, “Like father, like son!”, then speaks fondly of Blue; But all know the largest tracks to fill are those of Two. His deeds are known far and wide, And fill Jim’s heart with love and pride. For with every rescue, the legend grows; About a dog named Two, and his “magic nose.”