Time to Walk the Dog

Dog and Field in Wolfville , digital photo, Steven Rhude

The Pope resigned the other day
and the streets of Rome was full of tears,
no one new exactly why,
hadn't happened in six hundred years.

They chased him and they hounded him
they had to know before he was dead,
Cornered and pressed for an answer
he could only hang his lonely head

The seconds they ticked by
truth and wisdom was at hand.
Great secrets would be revealed. 
There was calm across the land.

His cross it was much too heavy
his robes they had turned to red.
His soul was a churning crimson,
When he looked up this is all that he said. 

"Well there's a  time to take the dog for a walk,
time to pick up the leash and that collar.
Clear your head and restore the balance,
forget the almighty dollar.
Put down the incense and take off your mitre,
Take to the path and forget the clock,
Gotta leave the Vatican behind
just taking my dog for a walk." 


Well, I went to a school board meeting,
to listen in or maybe have my say.
But I didn't like my options,
Seemed more like church
and the Judgement Day.

Now the meeting it started right on time,
I noticed no one else was there.
But a few concerned for the children,
and a multitude of paid educrats 
governed by the chair.

Now that chair  she kept on saying 
you only have ten minutes - then be done.
Can't you see, we have more important business,
than saving schools
when there's a system to run.

 I wondered at her impatience,
her rules and her tone.
when it comes to those who govern,
they'd rather you just stayed at home.


Well there's a  time to take the dog for a walk,
time to pick up the leash and that collar.
Clear your head and restore the balance,
forget the almighty dollar.
Take to the path, the wood or the field,
even when the mercury is falling
she'll return to you every time
 when it's you who does the calling.

Dog in Orchard, Wolfville, digital photo, Steven Rhude

Went to the postmodernist's party
there were people from all over town.
I saw doctors and academics,
lawyers who wore a frown.

She said she loved that new installation
"there's a message here
do you get the gist?"
I said I didn't but it really didn't matter
It's sure to make the Sobey's short list. 

It had a cart and plates and ashtrays
cigarettes and bottles of beer,
It had computers and lap tops to go with it
tar and light bulbs
 and a voice you could just hear. 

The talking head on skype was the postmodernist
he wore black from head to toe,
said he was sorry he had to miss such a fine party
Said he had to make a train to Toronto.

But first I have more important business,
than art and awards and galleries,
I need someone to walk my dog while I'm in hog town,
It's sure to relieve your boredom,
loneliness and sad reverie.


Well there's a  time to take the dog for a walk,
time to pick up the leash and that collar.
Clear your head and restore the balance,
forget the almighty dollar.
Take to the path, the wood or the field,
even when the mercury is falling
she'll return to you every time
 when it's you who does the calling.

Steven Rhude, Wolfville, NS