I’m an Airedale don’t you know

My name was Jack
not just a dog
but an Airedale don’t you know

I was typical of my type
With a saddle of black on my back
and tan head, ears and legs
I’m an Airedale don’t you know

The men I was with were battling hard
out on the western front
My human said “We need you Jack”
“to do what you do best”
“Me?” I said
“I’ll do my job, just the way you taught me”~
I’m an Airedale don’t you know

Off I went as fast as I could
precious message on my collar
Shells and mortars all around
Explosions everywhere
Like thunder near and far
On I went with my precious load
I’m an Airedale don’t you know

Searing pain went through my jaw
But on and on I go
I’m steadfast and determined
That’s how my breed’s described
I must not let my ancestors down
I’m an Airedale don’t you know

Craters all around me, behind me and in front
Mud and metal flying everywhere
Eruptions far and wide
Half a mile is not so far to go
I’m an Airedale don’t you know

That pain again in my foot this time
But I see the finishing line
I’ve nearly made it to my goal
Carrying on is what I do
I’m an Airedale don’t you know

I reached my destination
Big cheers are what I hear
Kind hand takes the message from my collar
warm voices in my ear
My job is done, of course it is
I’m an Airedale don’t you know

I’ll just lay here and close my eyes
The pain is just too much
Darkness begins to surround me
the pain is washing away
I know I’ve done a good job
I’m an Airedale don’t you know

Bright lights begin to envelope me
Red, yellow, orange and blue
And then I see a rainbow bridge
and faces old and new
Of course I’ve reached my resting place
I’m an Airedale don’t you know

© Jane Walker
November 2021