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

[barleygirl]

Your poem is sprinkled with so many delightfully sensory details! We've had a blustery wind lately & with everything blowing & banging, the dogs are steadily growling & on guard! Love the pumpkin soup & haribos! This halloween scene is bursting with feeling & originality! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Margie. Halloween seems a long time ago and yet those fireworks are still around even now. Poor Solo still unhappy. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[barleygirl]

This time of year, some days are constant chainsawing (neighbors-firewood) & the dogs just can't get that deep-down nap they need!

[Dave]

A shame that we often forget that those things that delight us as so frightening to our pets. A timely reminder.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. All the best.

Chris

[Anjeline]

Beautifully written dear Chris. I absolutely adore the way you tenderly and cleverly made a point on not bursting too much crackers especially the loud ones. In India I myself is witnessing the harms of crackers as there is a lot of pollution till now. Great work 👍

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Anjeline for your thoughtful review. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Anjeline]

You're welcome :)

[Pete]

if only they could speak although they do by their actions and behaviors. can't help but think of how recently two alaskan huskies escaped their owner and were rescued on an overpass in boston as they trotted along the side of the road with traffic. a motorist stopped and held them 'til state trooper came and put them in his car until owner could be located. you've captured the halloween feel and how solo feels ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pete for your visit and for sharing your own story . Loved hearing that. All good wishes. Have a good Sunday.

Chris

[gram linski]

good poem, Chris in Glasgow they had a Nae Fireworks party for dogs on a farm away from the city

[Chris Shaw]

A party for dogs :) Sounds very sensible, especially on a farm. Hope you are food gram and thanks for the visit.

Chris

[Gee]

Funny things dogs. I've had three( still have 2) and none have been fussed with fireworks but have been frightened of hoovers, hair driers, the fridge!.
Good morning Christine, get ya thermals out :))

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Gee. Yes it is winter woolly time. Now you have reminded me of our cat. Myron is very frightened of hoovers and hair driers yet can tolerate fireworks. If you could see poor Solo quivering and shaking at these explosions it would break your heart :). Have a wonderful weekend and many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahaha ohhhhhhh poor Solo! :( Beauregard does not like thunder and lightning and retreats to the basement when it storms .. we have to laugh as he sits on the couch as if watching TV... he just saddles up and plops his big hind end down .. of course i turn on the TV for him and we watch together :))))))) thanks for Diwali and Haribos .. a treat to look up and learn something new ;) you have taken a time, a situation and something everyday as ones pet and turned an enjoyable story and characters out of it .. adding celebrations from multi cultures into the mix ... well done Chris .. fine read for me!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E for sharing how Beauregard deals with fireworks:) Cuddles are always good whether you are a dog or one of us. No sign of the fireworks stopping. Every night now for well over a week. Pleased you enjoyed this little read and I am always delighted when you visit my page.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ... our 4th of July celebration starts weeks ahead and lasts until everyone has exhausted their supply ;)

[Einstein Noodle]

ps. i especially appreciate how you have given Solo a voice ... and the pumpkin soup is powerful images and scents .. makes its own scene by itself ... have never had pumpkin soup but it sounds good!

[Chris Shaw]

Pumpkin soup is well worth making. Delicious :)

[Beccy]

Used to be when I was a child, that bonfire night was pretty much it. I've been hearing fireworks going off for the past week already, and it is still going on. In fact locally there are a quite a few firework events being advertised for this weekend. Luckily, and I have no idea why, as it is most unusual, our dog Holly, a three year old, totally gorgeous border collie/springer spaniel cross, doesn't seem ever so bothered. The odd bark, a bit of tail stiffening, but other than that, she seems to take the noise in her stride.

Poor Solo, give her plenty of cuddles, which I'm sure she always gets.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Beccy. You are lucky that your gorgeous Holly doesn't experience this fear of fireworks, because it is sad to watch. I agree what used to be a one off now seems never ending and yes Solo gets lots of cuddles to help her through the ordeal. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

I have never met a dog... or cat for that matter that likes loud bangs. That last verse was great.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dale. You are so right, those loud noises to sensitive ears are indeed troublesome. Hope all is OK Dale and good to see you check in.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

many dogs are frightened by the sounds...Fourth of July around here and all the fireworks...i was outside one night, standing in a field watching fireworks from about four different locations...so much noise...i thought it was beautiful...but i heard so many howling dogs....country dogs don't like city fireworks for sure.
poor Solo....
she can do without holidays...
j.

[Chris Shaw]

I love fireworks Jacob, especially the London ones at New Year, but our canine friends are really frightened of them. Thank you for sharing.

Chris