Biscuits & Gravy

A poem about the foolishness of want.

The dog that can't stand

wants to walk.

The dog that can’t walk

wants to run.

The dog that can’t run

wants to fly.

The dog that can fly is in Heaven.

Author's Note

Don't "want" something; plan to get it.

Reviews

[emptyinkwell]

Maybe I am over-analyzing, but I love the parallel this poem draws to the message of The Great Gatsby: people will always want what they do not have and often will fail to see what they already accomplished. Each dog you mention wants something greater, and the one that has it all is dead, and therefore probably just wants to stand again.

[Brent]

Precisely! You're definitely not over-analyzing at all. I agree with your idea that the only "dog" that has everything it wants is not even alive. So, life is about making the most of what you have and enjoying what you get/achieve.

Thank you for your thoughtful remarks!

[emptyinkwell]

If I may ask, though, why did you title this piece "Biscuits and Gravy"?

[Brent]

Dogs want biscuits as treats, though they don't always get them. Biscuits that humans eat go well with gravy, but gravy isn't necessary to eat biscuits.

So, I tried to represent how people want what they can't always have, though what they want isn't exactly necessary for them to live/be happy.

[emptyinkwell]

I see. Yeah when I hear biscuits I think of the heavy doughy lump at Popeyes and KFC. For some reason it didn't occur to me that dog treats are also called dog biscuits.

[Tracey~]

Manifest into reality.. is what I always say.. Make it happen..

[Brent]

Absolutely, people have to walk before they run. Might have a long-term destination, but still have to take those steps to get there! Teleportation has yet to be invented...

[Tracey~]

Exactly. I see so many people who do nothing to reach there goals and get depressed that others have what they don't. And I say you need to meet those goals at least half way... get off the couch lol

[Brent]

Yes, or people who have no goals and feel bad for themselves. Agreed!