Author: Sanjukta

The story of a Queen

In loving memory of dear Dushtu

In the autumn of year ’98,
when the Pujas were in town,
We went and got a tiny pup –
with a soft and furry down.

This pup was different –
she was fair, and she was beautiful,
Everyone who saw this pup,
found her wonderful.

The pup grew up,
and soon got known as a polite, royal girl,
Who does not bark much,
has a heart of gold and
her tail’s a wavy curl!

She loved her Mummy,
so so much, that she wouldn’t eat alone,
She would not eat, nor drink nor sleep –
if her mother wasn’t home.

She loved her Daddy so so much,
that when he came back home,
She would wait on the landing of 16 Lake East, and shyly welcome him home.

She loved her Radha-di so so much,
that she let her pull her leg,
When Radha-di said “I’ll take your food” –
Oh Dushtu was upset!

She did not like just two things in life –
the lizard and cockroach,
Those things, she felt, had zero rights,
on her home, to encroach.

But polite Queen she was and all –
she never barked too much,
She only voiced mild disapproval,
when lizards were in touch.

She made one major invention –
we should sing her praise,
She invented the game called “Tumble-dog” –
and the standards did she raise!

To win a game of “Tumble-dog” –
the dogs must make a guess,
About which dog will make the first pounce
or bark – and that’s the real test.

She played Tumble with her friend Doshyu,
but Doshyu was no good,
Dushtu always won the game,
as the inventor should.

She was also a strict lady –
she disapproved of a mess,
If the other dogs pulled
washed clothes down, Dushtu did object!

Quiet, pretty, kind and soft,
regal as a Queen,
Dushtu – you’re the special-est dog,
the nicest ever seen.

We hope you meet your sister soon,
in the Happy Hunting Grounds,
Where you and Delta will bark at lizards,
that dare to come in town.

You won our hearts, you won our love,
we will always proudly say –
“We knew Dushtu – the Queen of dogs” –
today, and every day.

 

Delta, you.

Pearly eyes and shaggy tail,
Endless bounce, come sun or hail,
Bounding here and bounding there,
Delta, you are fun.

Master of the barkathon,
Eager leaps towards the sun,
The skies beckon, the streets beckon,
Delta, you are life.

Generous, and kindly you,
Patient, simple, tolerant too,
Not a bite, to anyone,
Delta, you are love.

Silent when you face your pain,
Not a groan, in days of rain,
You bear, you share, you let it go,
Delta, you are brave.

Boldly jumping up and down,
Fitting our hands upon your crown,
Stealing pats from everyone,
Delta, big baby.

Buoyant leaps down flights of steps,
Planning exits, grand escapes,
Coming back and settling down,
Delta, naughty girl!

And, here you are, doing just the same,
Yapping at folk, yet again,
Bounding up with your shaggy tail,
Delta – you are here.