Once A King

My dog was once king
of the elementary school bus stop
every morning.

He was a fair monarch,
granting belly rub privileges to all
the children before they started their school day.

But the corner has been empty
of adoring subjects. If they see him,
they wave from behind windows now.

And the once king of the bus stop
makes his rounds near an empty playground,
howling at the other exiled kings and queens
who also miss the noisy old days.

Kit, in his pre-pandemic stance.
 


Liner Notes for This Groove: This poem was created for the Weekly Scribblings prompt given at Poets and Storytellers United, Beloved Companions.
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44 comments:

  1. Rosemary Nissen-WadeApril 6, 2021 at 7:30 AM

    Oh, how sad that even dogs are affected by the pandemic – not to mention the kids who used to enjoy him. But you can't even explain to Kit.

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    1. RommyApril 11, 2021 at 7:09 PM

      We've managed to figure out his love language is food and he is very clear about letting us know if he prefers relaxing on his downstairs dog bed instead of going for a walk. But nuances are lost on him.

      Delete
  2. Debra She Who SeeksApril 6, 2021 at 9:12 AM

    Another victim of the pandemic, alas.

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  3. HelenApril 6, 2021 at 11:51 AM

    This is incredibly touching .... long live the King.

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  4. Gillena CoxApril 7, 2021 at 3:35 AM

    I had as pets dogs growing up. As an adult though, i do not care for pets.

    Happy Wednesday

    Much💛love

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  5. Kim M. RussellApril 7, 2021 at 7:58 AM

    I love that Kit was the king of the elementary school bus stop, Rommy! That’s what I remember from when we had Jasper, over thirteen years ago; everyone stopped to greet him by name and give him a pat or a stroke. Dogs do miss that.

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    1. RommyApril 11, 2021 at 7:11 PM

      He got very used to all the attention. But slowly as more people get vaccinated, he's finding his fans.

      Delete
  6. Ron LavaletteApril 7, 2021 at 8:30 AM

    We're all in that same boat these days, it seems. Sadly.
    Better days ahead, we ALL hope.

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    1. RommyApril 11, 2021 at 7:12 PM

      My husband has all his shots and the kids and I have scheduled ours, so here's hoping.

      Delete
  7. Graham LesterApril 7, 2021 at 9:50 AM

    Fear not, he will be king again!

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  8. LisaApril 7, 2021 at 11:56 AM

    Poor guy has no way to know. Sweet dog.

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  9. Old EggApril 7, 2021 at 11:19 PM

    Yes dogs are very social creatures especially with kids. They must wonder what on earth has been going on.

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    1. RommyApril 11, 2021 at 7:57 PM

      The poor thing has been very confused. But hopefully he'll be happily confused as things start turning around here.

      Delete
  10. purplepeninportland.comApril 8, 2021 at 9:02 PM

    His throne and subjects await!

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  11. Magic Love CrowApril 9, 2021 at 7:12 PM

    Awwww!!! Give Kit a hug from me! He will be King again! Big Hugs!

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  12. MarjaApril 11, 2021 at 3:19 AM

    Aww what a gorgeous sweet poem I hope your dog is able to remember the good days of bellyrubs

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    1. RommyApril 11, 2021 at 8:01 PM

      He gets plenty at home. But also, now that my husband is fully vaccinated and he has a new fan in an older lady on our block (also fully vaccinated) he's getting some of that love back.

      Delete
  13. HazelApril 11, 2021 at 3:27 AM

    Love to you, Kit! My toy poodle Mozart used to wait for me by the university gate; my favorite part of those lecture evenings. He would wag his tail and kiss all the undergrads coming out after dismissal, especially the ladies, haha! Mozart crossed the rainbow bridge 3 years before the pandemic. I like to think he and Kit would have made great friends.

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  14. scotthastiepoetApril 11, 2021 at 4:28 AM

    Very poignant Rommy... You hot the nail so beautifully on the head here, regarding the situation we all find ourselves in.

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    1. RommyApril 11, 2021 at 8:02 PM

      I'm hoping for a good-ish summer and a decent fall, but time will tell.

      Delete
  15. colleenApril 11, 2021 at 10:14 AM

    Ah, I miss those days too! Where have all the children gone. Love this image it his reign.

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  16. dsnake1April 11, 2021 at 10:15 AM

    The pandemic affects all. i hope Kit will enjoy having his belly rubs soon. :)

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    1. RommyApril 11, 2021 at 8:03 PM

      We're keeping our fingers crossed for him...and all of us.

      Delete
  17. Magaly GuerreroApril 11, 2021 at 12:47 PM

    I understand this sadness much too well. Like Kit, and his adoring subjects, there is so much I miss. This pandemic has done a real number on us, hasn't it? No Comic Con, no BookCon, no random exchange of grins and cackles with strangers in old bookstores...

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    1. RommyApril 11, 2021 at 8:03 PM

      I really miss Book Con! Here's hoping for one next year.

      Delete
  18. J CApril 11, 2021 at 1:47 PM

    I know how faithful dogs love the kids and know when the bus comes. Dogs can tell time, I'm sure.

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    1. RommyApril 11, 2021 at 8:04 PM

      LOL, oh he absolutely knows how to tell time. And he is staunchly against daylight savings. :D

      Delete
  19. NamrathaApril 11, 2021 at 2:08 PM

    This pandemic must have been a huge change for the pets as well, who probably can feel something is wrong but do not know exactly what. Hope this time passes us by and we can have those noisy days again.

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  20. indybevApril 11, 2021 at 3:58 PM

    Let's hope soon the corner will be filled with activity once again!!

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  21. Gillena CoxApril 11, 2021 at 4:56 PM

    Happy Sunday Rommy

    Much💛love

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  22. JennaApril 12, 2021 at 8:26 PM

    Yes, I wonder if pets have found all this very confusing.

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