PUP TENT

We left our downtown fire station
In the able care of Ladder Crew Nine,
And headed off for our vacation
To a cozy campground in the pines.

Chief said, “Our engine seems a wee bit lagging,
And do you hear that funny noise?
It sounds like something’s dragging,
Did Gus pack all his birthday toys?”


We pulled off to check our trailer,
And found a train, toy plane, and omelet pan.
But what caused our axle failure,
Was a percussion set and baby grand.

The more Chief dug the more he frowned,
“And why does he need a rubber duck?
We’re going to a campground,
And he won’t even have a …. bath tub???”

“GUS!!!”


After a temporary panic,
We were back upon the road,
Thanks to a Samaritan mechanic,
Who helped us stabilize our load.

We somehow made it to the campground,
And the ranger showed us to our plot.
As we unpacked the truck and set our gear down,
Gus pitched a white pup tent with big black spots.


Preston and Gus explored the timbers,
While Chief and Sherman took a walk.
By the time we finished dinner,
It was nearly nine o’clock.

“What do you mean we can’t do dishes?”
Chief raised his voice and made a stink,
“Gus packed his turtle and his fishies,
Yet he forgot the kitchen sink?”


The lights had just gone out,
And it was off to bed we went,
When came the laughter and the shouts,
From that young Dalmatian’s tent.

Why, he’d invited half the forest,
And they partied late into the night.
A rambunctious chipmunk, wren, and tortoise
Redefined our view of “wild-life.”


Chief had been working on forgiveness,
And Gus still had a ghost left of a chance.
But when they performed The Phantom of the Opera,
Dan nearly flew out of his pants.

An angry mob approached our campsite,
And gave that spotted dog a warning,
“Turn off those flashing neon lights,
And don’t make another sound ‘til morning!”


We’d finally fallen fast asleep,
When there came a raucous roaring.
Chief landed on his feet,
“Can’t someone stop that dog from snoring?”

Gus then came to us complaining,
That his tent was cold and his nose froze.
“Turn off your air conditioning,”
Yelled Chief, “And open up the windows!”


We got up early in the morning,
And headed off to Miller’s Beach.
We planned to do a little fishing
While that dog was still asleep.

We saw the sun rise through the forest
As we gazed across that peaceful lake.
That’s when we heard the angelic chorus
Singing of God’s Amazing Grace.


Along the shore there came a shadow,
It was that lovely voice so rich.
He sang of how the Savior's love rose
Over troubled waters like a bridge.

The tears welled up in Chief Dan’s eyes,
It was a most inspiring rendition.
And then imagine our surprise
To see the face of that musician.

“GUS???”


I woke up from my dream to learn
That singing dog was me.
When from my sins I choose to turn,
His sends His grace and sets me free.

I will shout to all the world and tell
Of Him who leads me by the waters.
Under His tent I will forever dwell
With my Everlasting Father.


David J Allen
April 14, 2005


<== Top Dog . . . . . Back to Top . . . . . Hot Dog ==> . . . . . Gus’s Home Page