My Dog – Tom Tom
My dog Tom Tom – Growing up for everyone has its peaks and valleys, tough times, and good times. For those that did not grow up with alcoholism in your household, you might not understand my poem below. For those of you that did not grow up with a dog in your life you might not understand the poem below. I write or at least try to write every day. Even though I post it here for anyone with a computer or a smart phone can read, I really write for me and me alone. It is my way of dealing with the things that went bump in the night when I was young. I write to rid myself of the demons that haunted me in the past. If my writings provoke an emotion from you, the reader – even for a second – then it is a win for me. “Tom Tom” my dog died so long ago, it is hard for me to picture him in my head, but the feeling he gave me, the safety he gave me, the love he gave me still beats within my chest. This is my ode to “Tom Tom” – he was gallant when I was not.
“Tom Tom”
Under the blankets hiding, staying out of sight,
Moments of fear that crept out of the night.
Too young, too innocent to fully understand,
How my Dad, his drinking took over, took command.
Trying to shut out the anger, hurt, the yelling,
When madness would stop there was no telling.
Huddle down in my protective blanket fort,
Holding tight to my green army men for support.
Tom Tom my dog laid with me keeping me warm,
Helping me try and outlast the newest insane storm.
Always worried I may never see my Mom tomorrow,
As she tried to help my Dad understand all his sorrow.
Drinking and violence walked hand in hand,
As my Dad danced to the Smirnoff vodka band.
In my tiny world, childhood starts to unravel,
Never too soon, safe place my mind would travel.
Held tight as Tom Tom sniffed and licked my face,
Only he knew how to get me to my safe place.
Thinking back then to those young ugly years,
On how Tom Tom saved me from all my fears.
Tom Tom my dog angel died when I was ten,
Day’s when emotions take their toll, I think of him again.
By Kurt James
Kurt James © 2016
https://www.amazon.com/Kurt-James/e/B01DTOJ7KC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1526250761&sr=8-1
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The Denver Post, PM Magazine, and 9NEWS, all well-known Denver, Colorado media sources, have highlighted the powerful and evocative work of poet and novelist Kurt James. Focusing on Old West history, Kurt contributes feature articles to HubPages and Creative Exiles, exploring the eerie silence of ghost towns, the thrilling tales of outlaws and gunfighters, and the evocative imagery found in the Rocky Mountains.
Kurt’s early admiration for writers such as Jack London, Louis L’Amour, and Max Brand played a significant role in honing his skills as a storyteller. Twenty-one books (and counting!) transport readers to the Colorado Rockies and the Old West through Kurt’s vivid descriptions; the feel of rough-hewn cabins, the sounds of coyotes howling under starry skies, and the smells of campfire smoke and sagebrush are all palpable.
Find Kurt James novels, short stories, reference books, and poetry—published by Midnight Wind Publishing—in print copies or digital downloads at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and other excellent bookstores; explore the diverse range of formats available.
Currently in production - The 10th book in his Rocky Mountain Series - Lee Moomaw Former Lawman.
Kurt is a proud member of the Western Writers of America, a group that values storytelling.
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A touching ode to a loving friend that helped save a child from the free fall of an alcoholic father and the abuse in a household that should never happen to an innocent child. Nicely expressed and penned Kurt, and Tom Tom , never to be forgotten. great work.
Thank you Tony for your nice thoughts…. always welcomed.
Kurt, I belief some pets have been sent to us for a reason and I see them as Angels on Earth. Tom Tom was your little Angel. This is a loving tribute to your best friend and very nicely penned. Well done.
Phyllis I could not agree more with you about some pets being angels on earth… Tom Tom was my angel…..
They are more than just pets. They become friends, family, angels even. Dogs have that keen sense to them. Whenever i was feeling sad when i was a kid, my dog was always by my side. Great ode to your lifesaver for the time. ~Paul
Thanks Paul, you are always welcome at my campfire…
I loved this, Kurt. I neve ha a moment in my life as a child or adult that I didn’t have a dog. They were all very special in different ways. They o help to protect you and keep you sane, offering unconditional love constantly. A sad tale, but thank you for shaing.
Dog, are angels sent from the heavens to keep us sane and humble….When someone tells me they don’t like dogs – that tells me there is something wrong with that person… I broke off a relationship with a woman that didn’t like my dog – best choice I ever made….
Thank you Kurt, have worked and known dogs all my life, I agree,there’s something ‘off’ with someone who doesn’t like dogs.
Agreed Robin, a dog is really heaven sent and when a friendly gentle dog doesn’t like someone or when folks do not love dogs it is a huge indicator of that person personality. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment here on this piece…