Solo Speaks

(Unhappy canine)

Along with wild rain

and a wayward westerly wind

Diwali swept in last week

holding hands with Halloween

as fireworks blazed brightly

in a dark night sky.

Pumpkin soup simmered

on a back burner while an

orange bucket of haribos

anticipated the arrival of little

trick or treaters.

Though, Solo was far from happy.

She cowered in the corner

her tail no longer flying high, 

left low in the doldrums.

Her hind legs trembled and shook,

the look in her doleful eyes

told me she was terrified,

there's no way I'm going outside

she said.

Deafening noise of explosions,

gunpowder and plots,

I'll hide under my blanket

and pray she said

until all that chaos stops.

Reviews

[R.E. Ray]

Solo, like other pets, might be the best teacher. Maybe nature told her that’s how to survive.

Your poem reminds me of a story, years ago in Oklahoma or Texas, where recovery crews cleaning up tornado wreckage found a dog alive after about one week. He’d apparently hidden himself somewhere safe.

A wonderful story, well told in this poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Robert for your visit and wonderful share. Wisdom in what you say.

Chris

[Lorry]

Such a terrible time for our furry friends, just because some moron failed to blow up the picture on a hp sauce label (Woah! Does the hp stand for houses of parliament? No! Cant be, but if so, im not gonna use it anymore.)
Now, where was I? Oh yeah, celebrating terrorism....
I remember as a kid empathising with our furry friends, as i was terrified too, mainly because my granny was reminded of the blitz by it. Come to think of it, does anyone enjoy them, because i reckon if i was behind you in the checkput line and let off a rocket next to your ear, you would kick at least sixteen kinds of something out of me.
We have to protect the little blighters, they are the only ones who shake their asses at us in joy at our return 😀

[Chris Shaw]

I like organised firework displays not this random stuff where kids let off rockets at weird times. We do have to look after our furry friends, especially at these times. Lorry, laughing at your hp sauce. Ha ha Houses of Parliament. Yep, I think many would have been happy for the second coming of Guy Fawkes. He should have come back this time and done a good and proper job on November 5th :))

Chris

[Lorry]

I just done a search and it does stand for house of parliament. It was used in the restuarant in there. I was only joking, but the truth does seem to be stranger than fiction.
Hope youre well away from all the floods Chris. Its got an apocalyptic feel about it methinks. Thank the made up beardy guy i live on a hill 😀

[emmajoy]

Chris: as ever, your poetry is more than appropriate for the year, charming - and more. Plus it's tailored comfortably, ripe with meter plus, is very visual. You seem able to write for every occasions, weather, emotions, all very promptly - takes hard graft and focus to do that. NB You also give out Haribos.. will you have them next year, if so, will start walking now! :)

My two go under their enormous floppy cushions. Goes back when younger: i propped cushions against the wall, put thick old blanket under each, kept gesturing til they got the idea! It's the only time they do that, mainly cos i prepare them! Also nearby, an old clock, loud tick.like a heartbeat. Don't care if too much, they deserve it They can of course, sit with me. Never go out when likely fireworks.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em. Plenty of Haribos left. Was wonderful to see all the little people dressed up as witches and ghouls. Such fun and yes, our furry friends suffer with the fire works. You appear to have the situation sussed, while I am merely a beginner. Many thanks Em for your visit. Much appreciated.

Chris

[emmajoy]

You're more than welcome, Chris, your poetry sings so many melodies.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you :)

[Intothemilkyway]

Loved the last part. It's so meaningful in so many ways.
You can find the end of something, like wars ,relationships, world etc.
And as you pray a ray of light comes through you and it's suddenly sunshine.
As long as you wait and pray everything it's gonna all clear up.

[Chris Shaw]

Intothemilkyway, many thanks for reading this poem and leaving your thoughts. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[AYVID N]

Loved this poem Chris! The second verse draws such warm, cozy pictures. We are resounding with firecrackers here during the festive season. A good time had by all but not by those with sensitive hearing including pets. Perhaps, more empathy is the need of the hour. A great poem with a great message. Thanks for sharing this gem.

[Chris Shaw]

DIVYA, your review is very encouraging. Thank you so much for your understanding where pets are concerned. They are certainly not at home with loud noises. Frightens the life out of them.

Chris

[AYVID N]

You are welcome Chris. We had a huge Saint Bernard once who used to become a mouse and spent days under the bed during the Diwali season here. Very sad for all those poor, voiceless things.

[Chris Shaw]

I can picture this so clearly. It gave me a great image :)

[Sami Khalil]

I love the title and the perfect descriptions of Solo. It is amazing how they have all the spectrum of human emotions. I feel they have a conscience. They grown like us in many ways. Poor Solo, give her a hug and a pat from me. Excellent.

[Chris Shaw]

I have given Solo a pat and a hug from you Sami and she was most appreciative :) Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Hahaha. You are welcome..

[Sami Khalil]

" Solo was far from happy.
She cowered in the corner
her tail no longer flying high,
left low in the doldrums.

Her hind legs trembled and shook"

[Chris Shaw]

So sad to watch Sami. Poor thing was terrified.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

:)..............

[Dave Brown]

that is funny, sad
Our little mutt is under the same frightened conditions
heads hanging, eyes pleading, tails dropped, quivering, the whole package.
Poor little thing, we have to sit and cuddle him all night long
Treats are also fairly effective
What are haribos?

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Dave, so you too experience this with your little dog? It is sad to watch. Now Haribos are sweets. Treats for those little trick or treaters who come knocking on our door. We had so many littke witches, vampires and ghouls this year. It was great fun.

Chris

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Sweet little Solo. My cat doesn't like the thunder, and I always feel so bad when she runs to hide under the bed. You might want to buy her a Thundershirt. They are supposed to be like a constant hug, bringing them comfort.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Linda. I haven't heard of thundershirts before. Sounds good. Our cat couldn't care less about the fireworks, but Solo shakes uncontrollably. So sad to see. Appreciate your visit and the advice. All good wishes.

Chris

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Here's the link if you're interested: https://www.thundershirt.com/

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for the link Linda. Much appreciated.

[Ted Kniffen]

Ah yes, Guy Fawkes Day … no wonder Solo hides inside … my little guy 'Boston' doesn't like fireworks either … can't think of many dogs that do.
Ours will hide under the bed until the commotion stops.

Well done Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ted. The festivities are dragging on. We have had a week of fireworks and tonight it's the turn of Guy Fawkes. Solo wants some peace :)
Chris