“Samovar”, a poem by Altivo Overo

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You're listening to a special episode of The Voice of Dog.

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Yesterday's story,

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The Library, by Metasys,

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should have been concluded with a little bonus, which unfortunately wasn't included in the episode itself.

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So here's a special bonus episode to make that right.

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A poem written by Altivo Overo,

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with no apologies to Sir Walter Scott,

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called Samovar. O bold Samovar galloped into the West,

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Through all the wide country, that steed was the

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best At brawling,

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at boozing, at schmoozing the mares,

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Even while he avoided commitments and snares.

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A bodhrn he carried, ‘twas strapped by his side, All painted and polished and covered in hide. A flute and a tipper were tucked down inside. To fill out the style of this musical ride,

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He wore a cocked hat,

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and ‘twas green as the grass;

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Mane and tail black as coal and they sparkled like glass.

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Sam rounded the lake and pulled up at the gate

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Of old Netherby’s Pasture and Bar

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but too late. For the filly he fancied had agreed to a mate

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And the nuptials expected now to celebrate.

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He looked round the gathered herd,

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cracking a smile, Saying

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“I’d better join you, at least for a while.

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For though I’ve lost out in the courting I’ll stay And join in the merriment

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just for a day.” Fair Eleanor stood amid flowers and hay.

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As she smiled at Sam’s joke,

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she was seeking a way To avoid any fight for her favor that might Cause injury to her intended

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and fright On her friends

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who had gathered that day for to see Her engagement

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and marriage to bold young McGee.

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Now Mac stood beside her while sharing her glee

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At the wedding and party they hoped soon to see.

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“Well met, Samovar,”

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he proclaimed with a bow.

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“No hard feelings, I hope,

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come between us just now.”

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Mac flourished his hat, but no weapons he had.

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And Samovar’s temper was known to be bad.

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But Sam nodded slyly.

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“I declare I’m not mad,”

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He proclaimed, “You have won,

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I admit, and I’m sad.

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Just give me a cup

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and I’ll offer a toast To your happiness now.”

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Or that was his boast.

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So McGee filled a cup with the sweetest red wine

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And gave it to Sam with his eyes all ashine.

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Sam gave a light nicker

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and tossed back the wine;

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Then he threw it to the ground, said “I’ll not cross that line.

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But let’s have a dance

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for to honor the bride

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And her brave life companion who now stands by her side.”

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He pulled out his whistle

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and started a tune

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That they all might join in by the light of the moon.

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Then Eleanor’s brother, a lively young colt,

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Said “I’ll just get my fiddle,”

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and took off in a bolt.

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Sam looked after him, smiling,

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and nodded his head.

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He was thinking whom he might bring home to his bed.

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Young Cedric returned with his fiddle and bow

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To stand by braw Sam

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with his face all aglow.

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They joined in and merrily the tune it did go.

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The herd soon were dancing and cheering you know.

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The bride and the groom swung around the grand floor

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Forgetting the cares and the worry they bore.

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More musicians joined in

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and a shindig began

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While Cedric and Sam, to the front gate they ran.

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They hoofed down the road at full tilt,

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hand in hand When came cries of shock from behind with the band.

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Both laughed o’er their shoulders

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and turned for a while

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Then kissed as a couple

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and shared a big smile.

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Sam shouted to Eleanor,

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“You’ve found out today,

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The truth of it all is the fact that we’re gay!” O bold Samovar galloped out of the West.

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In all the wide country his mate was the best:

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Young Cedric was handsome

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and bright as the sun.

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So happy they were

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joined together as one

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one