Prescription: Canis Lupus Familiaris

Introduction:

A few years ago, there was a large dog in the window of a small, locally-owned coffee shop named “Zoot’s”Café in Camden, Maine.  He always brought his man friend with him, too.  One day the man was alone and not too happy about leaving his dog at home.

He explained to me that a law requiring that ONLY "service" dogs in stores had to be enforced by the owners of the coffee shop and that his dog had to stay home.

I thought to myself; What if his DOCTOR wrote him a prescription requiring that the dog remain with him at all times?  So I wrote this poem for them that same day while at The Brass Compass restaurant in Rockland, Maine:

Rx: “Canis Lupus Familiaris”

Prescription:     

 “ Take one large dog, keep it with you all day, sleep with it at night, and call me in the morning”

 

He really didn’t need a dog.
His life was full, alone
But this time it was different
As he took the big boy home.

At first, they stared in wonder
“Who are you?” “Why am I here?”
He wondered if it was a mistake
But, soon, it became quite clear.

They each needed someone, closer.
Yet neither could ever choose.
One, the larger, lacking speech
The other, seeking a muse.

Now both are happy joined
At hip, in car, in bed.
No words need be spoken
Just a touch on a velvet head.

Things change as time and laws evolve

Most dogs are not always welcome.

The separation hurt them both

lonelier than before and then some.

He had to leave the big boy home

As he pursued career.
Depression grew in both of them
Concern grew into fear.

He went to see the Doctor.
He brought the dog along.
He never needed help before,
He just knew something was wrong.

The Doctor looked at the man
Then, down at the hound.
He had never seen a sadder case
He put his stethoscope down.

“I see the problem clearly”
The Doctor said with heart.
You two must be together
Both fail when kept apart.

He then picked up prescription pad
And wrote a single line:
“Take this dog with you everywhere.”
You both will be just fine!

F. Thomas Crowley, Jr.

Written at The Brass Compass restaurant

Rockland, Maine

2008

While You Were Away

While You Were Away…

While you were away, the snow came down

Covering the path to your house.

I tried to clear it for your return

But stopped to watch a mouse.

He lives under the tarp that covers my wood

And I never see him out in the snow

He knows that danger awaits outside

In the form of a huge, black crow.

The crow waits up in the old oak tree

That shelters our path in season

I feed him first, favoring crow to gull

Not clear on my rhyme or reason.

They saw each other briefly

The crow shifted claw on branch

The mouse froze on the snowy path

Dare he take the chance?

It was my fault, having tossed the bread

That I made the day before

Onto the path to your house

I had thrown it from the door.

The sky was blue between the clouds

All three of us stared out to sea

In a flash the crow dove for bread or mouse

The mouse moved faster than me.

The bread was gone, the mouse had won

The crow circled over the barn

I returned to my shovel to clear the path

Thankful none had come to harm.

While you were away, the snow came down

And you missed this winter’s play

When you come back I will tell you this tale

Next year…perhaps you will stay?

Tom Crowley

March 14, 2015

Lincolnville Beach, Maine

Road Rules: India vs Maine (from 2001)

India vs. Maine

(same for Mississippi...sort of)

In a 2001 Downeast magazine, there was an article about driving in Maine. It then suggested some fine points about driving tips.  Having just returned from India, I decided that a “point-counterpoint” approach might be amusing: 

Maine –

It is OK to turn right on red, after making a complete stop

India –

There are no lights, red, green, yellow, nothing. Just honk your horn many times and turn at any time.

Maine –

Please use your turn signals

India –

There is no need to use turn signals. Simply watch the person in front of you to see which way they might turn. Then, go around them, honking enthusiastically.

Maine –

Pedestrians have the right of way.

India –

Cows have the right of way. Pedestrians usually stay out of the road. If you see one, it is considered polite to honk your honk several times before or after you hit them.

Maine –

The breakdown lane is for cars that are actually broken down, not for a shortcut to the next exit.

India –

There are no lanes.  A breakdown “lane” would be any area occupied by a vehicle which has not moved for several hours or a cow which has decided to stop while crossing the street.

Maine –

The Passing Lane is used to overtake other cars which might be moving more slowly than you.  Please stay out of this lane if you are just cruising.

India –

I repeat, there are no lanes.  Usually, seven or eight vehicles will be randomly stretched across a roadway one-half the size of Route 1.  To pass another vehicle, motorbike, or gas-powered, three-wheeled rickshaw, simply go around them on either side, honking wildly, but with a courteous, respectful tone.

Maine –

Roadside attractions should be visited by using your turn signal, pulling over to the right and moving well clear of the road.

India –

The entire country is a roadside attraction. There is no need to pull over, simply slow down, roll down your window, and visit with the nearest individual or attraction.  The rest of the world will understand and honk encouragingly as they pass you on either side.

Maine –

Horns are considered rude and disturb the tranquility of wildlife or slow moving traffic on I-95.  Please pretend you don’t have one.

India –

Horns are more important than brakes, turn-signals, or gas.  They should be used continuously, though with a distinct pattern or sequence, not unlike Morse Code.  They send a series of messages which must be interpreted by the person in front of you:

1. Hello there!  How’s it going?
2. I’m right behind you,
3. Was that arm gesture a turn signal or are you just glad to see me?
4. Holy cow on the; right, left or in front of me,
5. I would like to pass you on your right or left, so keep your eyes peeled,
6. I am now passing you,
7. Thanks for letting me pass you,
8. Nice car, motorbike, motorcycle, rickshaw, etc.
9. Are you turning or just weaving through the traffic.
10. Have a nice day,
11. Have a heart attack,
12.  See you tonight at the _______________!! –

Maine - 

Road rage is not acceptable and is a clear sign that you have been in Maine less than 3 hours. 

India –

There is no road rage whatsoever.  Everyone is friendly and sociable with a great attitude.  Heavy traffic is a good time to visit or socialize.  Dead stop traffic is always a great time to meditate or practice your deep breathing.

Maine –

Always stop for cows in the road.

India –

Same rule.  But, if you have any snacks in the car, share them with the cow. He could be your great-great-great grandfather.

Have fun and drive safely, wherever you go!

Tom Crowley

Lincolnville, Maine

Upon returning from a trip to Bangalore, India.

June 23, 2001

Reviewed and found good on 3/13/15 - 

Fly Free

First fly of the season

Cast on a new spring day.

Tied without rhyme or reason

Over winter, sun far away.

The river wasn’t waiting

The fish didn’t really care

But for me this day was important

I knew I had to be there.

Sometimes we curse the darkness,

Often we curse the snow

But winter is a time for reflection

On those things that make the river flow.

You can’t break through the surface

When the ice is two feet thick

But soon you will find the water

Now cast your fly, do it quick.

We all face frozen places

In nature, at work, and in love

Patience and kindness melt hearts and ice

If you ask, seek, knock above.

Tom Crowley

VA Togus, 3/12/15

The Big Board

The Big Board

If you lose a cat or break your leg

Put it on the board.

Good people come out of nowhere

And their gifts are your reward.

Ice dams, massage or recipes

Are shared with equal weight

Like a party line from the 50’s

The response is universally great.

Neighbors helping neighbors

Friends meeting new friends on line

The feeling you get when you join this cub

Is both new and old…,sublime.

This is the way it’s supposed to be

And the way it used to be

When neighbors helped their neighbor

Sharing both joy and misery!

Let’s keep it going as the papers disappear

We can embrace this newer way

And share our news both good and bad

Like we did just yesterday.

FTC

Written about the Lincolnville Bulletin Board - after asking neighbors if they had a pair of crutches I could borrow or buy after breaking my kneecap.  The response was over 20 offers and then a free pair of crutches were DELIVERED to my house.  Amazing Grace in Maine

The Lottery - We All Can Win

The Lottery

Raising children is a lot like buying lottery tickets.  However, you have to buy one every day and they never announce a winner.  Never miss a day telling your children that you love them.  This gets easier with practice and it doesn’t have to be with words.  We all will be winners.