Walking The Dog
WALKING THE DOG
I have a black dog
I hide away from people
In his lightless kennel
He would attack them
Savage them to death
Given half a chance
But some days
I have to walk the dog
No choice I’m afraid
Roles suddenly switch
He becomes the top dog
It’s his turn to take the lead
His loss and pain exposed
I can never fail but love him
Despite his murderous eyes
After a walk, perhaps a bark or two
He can be mastered once more
Kennelled in the silence
In the end though
He is my only companion
My only reliable friend
I call him Consolation
Even on the blackest of days he reminds me
There’s always death to look forward to
Posted on January 15, 2012, in Poetry, Writing and tagged Black dog, Compassion, Death, Friendship, Life, Madness, Secret. Bookmark the permalink. 27 Comments.
Ben Naga 
Reminds me of what I think of as my storms. Though yesterday I was given the tools to lessen them.
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I am happy for you, Sarah. On a good day, you know that I hope you know that.
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I believe depression is a terrible thing to suffer from.
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It can be very isolating. Often also very creative. A lot of artists of all types have owned up to suffering times of depression. And I think almost everyone has some times and some level of depression, yet it is often hidden away from others’ sight,
“He can be mastered once more
Kennelled in the silence”
I appreciate your comment, Denise.
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This is really a great poem, yes, there are things worse than death. Ethel
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Thank you, Ethel. Initially there was so little response to my posting this that I began to think I had misjudged it. I reread it over and over again to see what was wrong. Instead I love it more and more as days go by so it’s nice to have some confirmation. More readers are raising their heads and I am relieved.
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Wow. Astounding. Such a lovely dark thought, Ben
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Thank you for your appreciation. To quote Mr Dylan
“And every one of them words rang true
And glowed like burnin’ coal
Pourin’ off of every page
Like it was written in my soul from me to you
Tangled up in blue”
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I teared up.
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For TUIB or WTD?
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WTD. It’s that dog effect.
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Double wow!! I never ever in my life dreamed I would get to win out over Dylan. I shall remember this day until I peg out (unless my memory gives up first ).
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One of the best Dylan songs I listen to over and over again.
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I have a story about that song. I might post about it some time, but if you want to hear it you will have to keep visiting. 😛
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Brilliant, I do get it…thank you friend.
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De rien.
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Love the analogy. It is rough to take one’s black dog for a walk but if not done the black dog can become unmanageable & feels such wrath if neglected. I wonder why it is so difficult to spend the necessary time with the black dog. It must be the unknown time limit that it will need.
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Words like “trust”, “faith” and “acceptance” come to mind. “We” are, after all, simply ripples in an unfathomable ocean.
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The ripples sometimes bring on such intensity. I believe in trust faith & acceptance. They bring on the Presence of Zen. Sometimes hard to hold onto but peace brings them to you.
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Then let us seek peace, and your seeking prove fruitful
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There is a lot of darkness and sadness in this world. Words that seem to say I give up and only look forward to the end. It’s depression at its best. I know the words well when I read them.
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Thank you for hearing me so clearly. ❤
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My,you have our friend to a T, especially the last line. I try to avoid eye contact with him. Thank you for this poem, hand of friendship, knod of knowledge. It touched me.
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It seemed this touched a number of folk. Something too rarely spoken of openly, I think.
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Yes it’s should not be hidden, you would not hid a broken leg, would you ? 💜
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I’ve never tried or had to. I imagine it would be rather difficult. 😀
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Lol 🥴🤣🤣🤣🤣
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