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This is the week of Open Write at Ethical ELA. I love these monthly exercises in writing poetry. They keep my notebook going as a working document, and it’s a wonderful, kind, and inspiring group to be a part of. Earlier in the week, Kim Johnson left me a comment stating she hoped I would write a puppy poem this week. Today’s prompt worked for a puppy poem.
You may be familiar with the children’s book The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown. Gayle leads us through the prompt to discovery the essence of the thing we choose to write about. As I write this post, my new puppy Albert “Albear” is curled up on my lap after his vaccinations. I’m breathing in the puppy smell. He’s 5 months old. I’m not sure when that scent goes away, but for now, I’m loving it.
The important thing about a new puppy is that he loves you without conditions. He will also jump on you and joyfully chase a tennis ball. Sometimes he poops on the floor, but he’s “just a puppy.” Always cute. Intoxicating smell. Barks at new bowls, trash bins, and the noise of the printer. Curiously nibbles on weeds, follows butterflies, sniffs at kittens. But the most important thing about a new puppy is he loves you, no matter what.
Five month old Albert with his favorite tennis ball.
Albert is getting bigger! And I can tell that unconditional love is so healing, so welcomed. I am so glad for you! And thank you for your monk post because it inspired my post this week.
[…] I was waiting for SOL inspiration to strike, Margaret Simon’s slice arrived in my Inbox. She shared her puppy-centered response to this morning’s Ethical ELA […]
Albert is such a cutie! I love your poem and all its puppy-specificity. (MWB’s piece is such a great mentor!). Also, you inspired me to share my sister-focused response to that prompt as a slice. Thanks!!!
Buffy, we waited a while. It was something we talked about, but the house just felt so empty without a dog. It’s a big investment not just in money, but also time. I’m not regretting it. Except maybe when he poops on the floor.
Albert is a cutie! The great fun of a new puppy. Do watch the nibbling of things like computer, printer wires but I am sure you know the drill. Enjoy that new dog smell – it does not last long.
Margaret, the way you wrote the poem with all the many, many details in clipped phrases, it seems like the puppy is tiring me out with all his activities. When I look at that picture of Albert looking at you, he definitely looks like “he loves you, no matter what.”
I loved this on the first reading over at Ethical ELA – “Albear” is beautiful. He steals my heart. I, too, find the puppy smell “intoxicating.” As I read, I think of how wondrous the world must be to him in his newness – and how much love he brings to it.
I loved this on the first reading over at Ethical ELA – “Albear” is beautiful. He steals my heart. I, too, find the puppy smell “intoxicating.” As I read, I think of how wondrous the world must be to him in his newness – and how much love he brings to it.
Look at that face! He is really a beautiful dog, and this is a delightful poem that captures the essence of what’s important about our relationships with our dogs. I do sometimes miss having a dog, though we are quite busy with so many cats of course. I appreciate your pointing my attention to this prompt. It’s really the perfect prompt to write a puppy poem.
Margaret Simon lives on the Bayou Teche in New Iberia, Louisiana. She is a retired elementary gifted teacher who writes poetry and children's books. Welcome to a space of peace, poetry, and personal reflection. Walk in kindness.
Reflections on the Teche 
Albert is getting bigger! And I can tell that unconditional love is so healing, so welcomed. I am so glad for you! And thank you for your monk post because it inspired my post this week.
Love that new puppy smell and the unconditional love.
[…] I was waiting for SOL inspiration to strike, Margaret Simon’s slice arrived in my Inbox. She shared her puppy-centered response to this morning’s Ethical ELA […]
Albert is such a cutie! I love your poem and all its puppy-specificity. (MWB’s piece is such a great mentor!). Also, you inspired me to share my sister-focused response to that prompt as a slice. Thanks!!!
That prompt worked well for both of us today!
I’ve been telling my spouse that we don’t need to get a new dog when our elderly hound leaves us. Your poem is making me rethink that decision…
Buffy, we waited a while. It was something we talked about, but the house just felt so empty without a dog. It’s a big investment not just in money, but also time. I’m not regretting it. Except maybe when he poops on the floor.
Ha! Our sweet hound never poops on the floor–just pukes (and of course, only on carpeting.)
Albert is a cutie! The great fun of a new puppy. Do watch the nibbling of things like computer, printer wires but I am sure you know the drill. Enjoy that new dog smell – it does not last long.
Joanne, He’s already showing interest in computer wires. I have to keep them out of reach. Thanks for your comment.
I love this poem so much! A house is much more a home with a faithful and loving pup in it.
Margaret, the way you wrote the poem with all the many, many details in clipped phrases, it seems like the puppy is tiring me out with all his activities. When I look at that picture of Albert looking at you, he definitely looks like “he loves you, no matter what.”
I loved this on the first reading over at Ethical ELA – “Albear” is beautiful. He steals my heart. I, too, find the puppy smell “intoxicating.” As I read, I think of how wondrous the world must be to him in his newness – and how much love he brings to it.
I loved this on the first reading over at Ethical ELA – “Albear” is beautiful. He steals my heart. I, too, find the puppy smell “intoxicating.” As I read, I think of how wondrous the world must be to him in his newness – and how much love he brings to it.
Margaret, what a sweet poem. Enjoy your little puppy who is adorable.
Look at that face! He is really a beautiful dog, and this is a delightful poem that captures the essence of what’s important about our relationships with our dogs. I do sometimes miss having a dog, though we are quite busy with so many cats of course. I appreciate your pointing my attention to this prompt. It’s really the perfect prompt to write a puppy poem.
What fun! Albert is such a cutie! And so much for a puppy to love and discover!