The Power of the Dog by Rudyard Kipling

The Power of the Dog

"There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie -
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find - it's your own affair -
But...you've given your heart for a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart for the dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long -
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?"

Rudyard Kipling

Is Gud Dog?

Here i am reviewing yet another book by Grant Morrison (notice the padron?)
This is a pretty straightforward story, for a Grant Morrison book. Its about three animals who are turned into killer cyborgs (not its not as crappy as it sounds) for the US government. Lethal weapons of mass destruction. But the story isn't about war and mayhem (though there is plenty of mayhem) but about animal experimentation and the horrors of it.
It follows the story of a cat, a dog and a rabit who are turned into killing machines and then decommissioned by the government. They run from the base not to be put down by the army and find their destiny.
Let me just say that its a great story and very emotional. It takes someone who never had a pet no to be touched by it and even those will have a hard time.
I have to say it brought a tear to the corner of my eye. The characters are very tru to the stereotype one has of the characters of the animal and act accordingly.
Its a tale about love, redemption, sacrifice and above all humanity (and the lack of thereof). A great read for anyone. The art is gorgeous (Frank Quitely does a great job showing the cruelty and the visceral action).
Highly recommended!

Pi

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