Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO MY DOG, JOWLER, by JONATHAN DORR BRADLEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO MY DOG, JOWLER, by                    
First Line: Jowler, they have taxed you, honest friend!
Last Line: And vote with the majority!
Subject(s): Animals; Dogs; Taxes


Jowler, they have taxed you, honest friend!—
Assessed you—put you in the roll:
To exile every dog they'll send,
Unless some friend will pay his poll.

By all that's good, the rascals meant
Betwixt us two to breed a strife,
And drive you into banishment
Or bribe your friend to take your life!

But, Jowler, don't you be alarmed,
If politicians do neglect you;—
Confound their tax! you shan't be harmed—
I know your worth, and I'll protect you!

But taxes, by the Constitution,
Convey the right to represent,—
So dogs, by this same resolution,
Might—just as well as men—be sent.

Now, dogs and men and voters, hear!—
That Jowler's put in nomination
To go, upon the coming year,
And aid in public legislation.

Jowler, avoid the demagogues—
Keep out of the minority;
Take care to smell of other dogs,
And vote with the majority!





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net