Tegan's Poem

Fiona's darling brindle boys have been revered in rhyme
But she's broken with tradition, and she has a girl this time!
Hi, I'm Tegan - yes that's me, I'm told it's Welsh for 'Deer'
I'm fawn and very pretty too, from my photo this is clear!
Now, I come from the Emerald Isle and I was bred to race
I am really fleet of foot and how I love to chase!
But tho' I'm such a speedy girl, I never made the track
I put my foot down and refused, to leave those things called traps!
Tho' 'kennel-life' awaited me, I dreamed I'd find a home
When I was six, Fiona came and chose me for her own.
I live with greyhounds Jack and George, and Buttons lives here too
I'd like to tell you 'bout myself and things I like to do
Now I'll describe my ideal day, just like the boys have done'
I'd wake up very early and get biscuits from my Mum
And then we'd go out for a walk, and I'd make sure the place
Had lots of mud and water and some squirrels I could chase!
Back home again and breakfast time and what I'd like to eat
Are oats and tuna, veggies too, followed by some treats!
I'd empty out my toy box next, removing every one
And then I'd wait there smugly and admire what I had done.
To occupy the hours left, we'd take a drive maybe?
I'd play with squeaky toys and then, my Mum would wrestle me!
We'd go out for another walk and other 'greys' we'd meet
We'd have a race, (which I would win), I'm fastest on my feet!
I have a healthy appetite - when it comes to dinnertime
Two helpings then a chicken wing, would really suit me fine!
And so to bed but I would ask, 'Mum, please don't trouble me'
And insist that I get up - to go out for a wee!
I'll tell you 'bout my favourite things, as I'm sure you'd like to know
I can be somewhat naughty when to Radlett lakes we go
There's lot of mud and water too and men who like to fish
I'm partial to their sandwiches, they make a tasty 'dish'
My favourite dog is brother George - he's fast and very brave
(In the woods he finds dead things - both smelly and decayed)
I sometimes throw a tantrum, 'cos I like to have my way
'She's a proper little madam', I have heard Fiona say.
I throw myself down on the floor 'cos I don't think it's right
To make me do things that I hate and not the things I like!!
Raw liver is disgusting and I don't like pasta much
I don't like strangers patting me, nor having my mouth touched!
Sleeping is a waste of time, loud noises frighten me
But how I love ham slices and I'm fond of creamy cheese.
Well now I'm running out of space and I must say farewell
It's Buttons' turn, I must be fair, he has a tale to tell!

© 2003 Judy Zatonski, reproduced with permission
Please contact Judy at the above email address if
you would like her to write a poem for you.