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Whose Dog are You?   
 
Pepper, Wordsworth's dog.

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


The title is taken from an epigram by Alexander Pope, engraved on the collar of a puppy which Pope gave to the Prince of Wales.

 If you have any comments on this poem, Alison Brackenbury  would be pleased to hear from you.

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