The Butcher’s Best Friend
~~~
Sweet scent of smoke hung like a greyish sheet
There in the shop at the end of the street
The comers and goers paid him no mind
If he had a job, not one I could find
~~~
But he lounged there all day, nothing to say
As people strolled in and good money paid
When he rare arose, he’d be gone for a bit
Then lazily return, again he would sit
~~~
The butcher worked hard, the freshest meat known
Cleaver all day sliced sinew and beat bone
As dusk fell, anyone could plainly see
The butcher, as tired as one man can be
~~~
But before he did retire, dinner he brought
To this silent partner, who had done naught
For a moment, I envied his lazy life
No cares, no needs, and absent of strife
~~~
Idle all day while the other sells meats
Rewarded in pay with the finest of feasts
Dining on the scraps of cattle and hog
Oh, what a joy to be the butcher’s dog
~~~
ah, the ending!
Thanks Beth!
Got me all caught up and not prepared for that last line! But how appropriate and fitting!
You have to love a twist ending. Thanks sis!
You took me on an absolutely wonderful journey.
Thanks Geoff! There are no kinder words.
Not a bad gig.
Thank you Pete! It does seem to have its benefits.
The description and activity is easily seen on this busy street with this man sticking out. The flow of the stanzas are lovely Brad and that last line a big surprise. Sending love ❤️ Jonikins
Thanks Jonikins! This poem started with the last line. Everything before that was written to set the stage and throw you off the scent of whom the speaker is talking about. Glad you enjoyed it!
You are a very cleaver poet my friend. I loved this poem and you completely caught me off guard. I don’t know how you find the time to write as much as you do. However it is a treat for the rest of us. Hugs and lots of love, Jonikens xoxoxox
I don’t know how either…probably because I do little else 😁
Actually I think you are just very talented and also disciplined. I really admire that about you. Have a wonderful evening Brad. Sending hugs and love, Jonikins 😘🤗❤️
Oh, how I love those playful, surprise endings!!! ❤
Thanks my dear friend!
Loved the ending – not what I was expecting! Well done, Brad!
Thanks Jim! And congratulations on your 35 years at Villanova! What an exceptional career!
thanks for the congratulations, Brad. I have enjoyed it. I think I’ve got another 3-4 years in me, but you never know…