Dogs and cats and poems

My dog would write a poem, for sure,
if only he could hold a pen or pencil in his paw,
or learn to read and write.
But I feel he lacks the intellect, being a dog that’s none too bright.
And so he’s content to bark, and wag his tail,
chase balls and sticks, and tear the morning mail.
Though, sometimes, when he looks at me in a certain dogged way,
not hoping just for food or a simple canine game to play,
I feel he might enjoy a creative writing session,
just for the thrill of a more cerebral form of self-expression.

My cat, though, I’m convinced,
would never feel the need
to ever write a poem
- unless a suitable fee was agreed.