Poems & lyrics celebrating Kansas Flint Hills land & people by Annie Wilson – the “Flint Hills Balladeer”
Doggie Paradise
Oh boy! We’re goin’ walkin’! She’s lacin’ up her boots. We’re headin’ for the pasture gate; it’s time for cutting loose. No more layin’ round the yard. We’re goin’ where it’s wild. So much to smell and hear and chase, I wear my doggie smile. So many smells they’re hard to sort: (Sniff) Rabbits came this way. (Sniff) A possum passed some time ago. (Sniff) Coons were here today. My ears are just on overload. I hear coyotes, turkeys, hawks. A deer cries deep down in the woods. A great big heron squawks. Up ahead I see our pond. It’s time to take a swim. My people friend takes off her boots, but I can jump right in. I try to catch that bullfrog, dive down to find that fish. This water feels so cool I’m in hot dog doggie bliss.
Then when I’m out and drippin’ I turn and start to shake. The water flies off everywhere. My friend she jumps away.
(Sniff) I think I smell a badger, but I’ll let him go his way. Instead I’ll run and catch that bird. Oh dang, he flew away! I leap above the tallest grass, then dig down in the stones. I’m try’n to find what critter calls this little hole his home. Then I see afar off - something white along the trail towards home. Why Holy Roly Poly It’s a great big old cow bone! This feels like Christmas then I see the real cream-de-lacream: The freshest pile of cow manure in all your wildest dreams. It’s rock and roll time baby, and I’m on it in a flash. I rub that prairie dog perfume all up and down my back. I’m takin in the prairie with my nose and ears and eyes. My tail just won’t stop waggin’ - I’m in Doggie Paradise!
Contact Annie at: tallgrassexpress.com/ contact. Hear this song for free at tallgrassexpress.com/ doggie-paradise
