The day was hot one summer morn,
Not even shade was cool.
I looked out from conditioned room,
I thought those outside the fool.
I planned my day to stay inside,
This wasn’t allowed to be.
My collar linked to person side,
I was dragged out for all to see.
With panting breath and aching paws,
We followed our daily trail.
I slowed to walk, the heat the cause,
My heart was soon to fail.
Wait! There’s hope just up ahead,
Some ice thrown carelessly round,
If not this then I am dead,
There’s no moving this cooled down hound.
This is the Centus prompt graphic.
Ross's Writing Blog 
Susan Mystery
August 5, 2012 at 09:15
LOL, I loved this. I could really see this whole scene play out. Anyone who has ever had a dog knows that during certain weather, they are almost dragged out the door. Thanks for that visual!
Ross Mannell
August 11, 2012 at 21:14
Thanks for the comment.
I had been playing with the old saying from colonial India, “Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun.”
The storyline fitted well into the idea. The dog had more sense. 🙂
Heather (blog: http://heatherym.blogspot.com/)
November 11, 2013 at 12:27
Dear Mr. Mannell,
It’s me, Heather, your old blogging buddy. I voted excellent (five stars) even though I hadn’t read it yet. When I read your post, I obviously didn’t regret the vote. Just to say, I think you’re the best writer in the whole world. 😀
Where did you get this photo? Is that your dog?
Your blogging-buddy-old and new,
Heather
Happier Than A Pig in Mud
August 5, 2012 at 09:16
Not even shade was cool… Love it! Fun poem:@)
Ross Mannell
August 11, 2012 at 21:17
Thanks for the comment.
I’ve been out in days like the one in the poem. The heat can be all-encompassing. 🙂
flirtingwithnormal
August 5, 2012 at 12:22
Sounds like the dog has been hanging out here in Missouri – it’s been so hot here, my husband practically dragged me out of the house today. Good job!
Ross Mannell
August 11, 2012 at 21:21
Thanks for the comment.
Many years back I wiving and teaching out in western N.S.W. here in Australia. There were times when the temperature on a thermometer in the shade reached 125F for days running. The only saving grace was it was a dry heat and not a tropical damp heat. I only went outside when needed. 🙂
Viki
August 5, 2012 at 13:45
This was great writing from the dog’s perspective. LOL
Ross Mannell
August 11, 2012 at 21:21
Thanks for the comment.
Someone had to speak for the pets of the world. 🙂
Sue
August 6, 2012 at 03:15
Really fun take from the dog’s perspective!
=)
Ross Mannell
August 11, 2012 at 21:23
Thanks for the comment.
A dog also needs a chance to have his say. 🙂
Karen S.
August 6, 2012 at 11:27
Dogs always know how to live don’t they! Very cool poem!
Ross Mannell
August 11, 2012 at 21:24
Thanks for the comment.
I always loved the way a dog could stretch out, relax and enjoy the simple pleasure of a warm day. 🙂
Nonna Beach
August 11, 2012 at 01:51
A very cute poem…love it…nicely done !!!
Ross Mannell
August 11, 2012 at 21:25
Thanks for the comment.
It was fun looking at the world through the eyes of the dog in the prompt photo.
Jenny Matlock
August 27, 2012 at 05:19
‘Not even shade was cool’.
Wow.
Those words were incredibly cool.
And so was your use of this difficult prompt!
Nicely done.
Ross Mannell
August 27, 2012 at 06:58
Thanks for the comment.
Having opposite seasons, I had to put aside the cool of a winter day to think of some of our very hot summer days. I’ve taught in a small country school where, for two weeks running, the temperature in the shade exceeded 120F. The children and I would have loved to have some ice around. 🙂