THE POWER OF THE DOG RUDYARD KIPLING There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and sisters, I beg you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie-- Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart to a dog to tear. When 14 yearswhich Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour or fits, And the vet's ubspoken prescription runs To leathal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find--it's your own affair-- But...you've given your heart to a dog to tear. When the body that lived at your single will, When it's whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!) When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone--wherever it goes--for good, You will discoverhow much you care, and will give your heart to a dog to tear. We've sorrow in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we've kept "em, the more we do grieve: For, when you debts are payable, right or wrong. A short-term loan ids as bad as a long-- So why in--Heaven (before we are there) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?