[Deborah Warren]

Jake

Although Jake may resemble an ordinary hound,
the ideas in his caninish brain are profound.
He’s versed in all principles quantum mechanical,
delights in the odors of all things botanical,

clued in to the canine affairs round the burbs,
and so clever, he knows not to step off of curbs.
What’s more, he is hip to the orbital path
of the moon round the earth. He knows physics and math,

the elaborate theories of Einstein and Newton,
enjoys baby carrots, baked tofu and gluten,
but like most dogs will chase any feline that stalks
round the alleys, and relishes everyday walks.

And yet he has memorized “Fire and Ice”
and has even prepared his own chicken fried rice.
But today his abilities truly stood out
when he spotted, then rolled on, a stinky dead trout.