Whose Dog are You?   
 

Sir, I am Pepper. Walter Scott
gave me to Wordsworth from job lots
of puppies, each one named for spice.
A painter saved my flash of eyes.
I guarded children, chased their cat,
showed my teeth’s mercy to the rat.
My piled plate glows by my feet.
Forget your Odes, Sir. Stick to meat.

Alison Brackenbury