Resting by the Fire

Once, after supper, father told a story,

This and more I see while resting by the fire,

We gazed, enthralled, hearing tales of glory.

This and more I see while resting by the fire.

Darkness now falls, lending credence to the tale,

This and more I see while resting by the fire,

Caught, the ships are tossed about, in the gale.

This and more I see while resting by the fire.

As if on cue, a log gives out a loud crack,

This and more I see while resting by the fire,

We all jumped, as the fire cracked, under attack.

This and more I see while resting by the fire.

Now the telling has come to a conclusion,

The oldest tries to insert a different ending,

Father nods, mindful of this untimely intrusion.

Mother, with a stern look, inserts yet another ending.

While everyone is hustled off to bed,

Still resting, my name I hear, tail wagging,

I rise, stretch, I'll be on guard, no fear or dread.

At father's side, head held high, tail wagging.

Tomorrow, again I'll rest by the fire,

Tomorrow I'll again listen and observe,

This simple life I'll never, ever tier.

By the fire, I rest and observe.