Doggerel Dave

Harry

You need to know that I live all alone,

Although I don’t work at the weaver’s trade.  

Harmony comes from being on my own;

This is fine – It’s just the way I was made. 

 

My inspiration is the solitude, 

Though visits on occasion are alright.  

A  good friend who calls has the fortitude

To spend some time with me every fortnight.

 

Nonetheless she left for a holiday,

Yes she was missed during this interlude.

Then a new guest arrived, wanted to stay;  

I, socially inept, could not be rude.   

 

He was a very quiet type, my guest.

We were never formally introduced.

For me acceptance was certainly best,    

So rules of etiquette were not produced.

 

This strong and silent type I called Harry

Appeared reluctant to utter a word.

About a handshake we did not tarry;

Since this requirement would have been absurd.

 

He was generally undemanding

This made my embarrassment less acute,

He took up a corner without thanking;

I just had to accept Harry was mute.                

 

In the end I valued my companion;

Giving in to his presence with good grace.

Yes this alliance defied convention; 

Why can’t odd relationships have their place?

 

I’m not sure it was summer or winter

 When Harry disappeared without a trace.

I was just lonely and felt some anger; 

Still I left the corner free just in case…

 

Then one day, how to put this - glory be;

While why my friend had come back was obscure,

It was true Harry had returned and he

Released me from my disquiet once more.               

 

Now you think I’m weird or something wilder:

Therefore need the services of a quack. 

Yet  you ought to meet my mate the spider

Because now Harry the huntsman is back. 

 

EPILOGUE:

 

Harry stayed and his company was great,  

Then  I found out he’d discovered a mate,

In fact Harry was Harriet and she 

Produced a whole tribe to look after me…