All Animals Are Special Poem by Jim Yerman

I wrote a poem praising dogs yesterday …and many people agreed
But apparently the cats and birds and frogs weren't happy.
Who knew they could read!

The frog was first to chime in…saying my poetry made him wince
If you kiss a dog, he said indignantly, will he turn into a prince?

Do dogs kill insects every day so they do not run amok?
Are dogs a symbol of fertility in Egypt or do they bring Japan good luck?

The bird was next to criticize…she asked…does a dog have wings?
Can a dog fly to the top of a tree?Can it glide on the wind…or sing?

Does a dog's singing help you think of love or beauty and how about romance?
Can a dog help control mosquitos…or pollinate some plants?

Finally a cat phoned me…isn't it just like a cat to call.
She was angry we had the nerve to compare a cat to a dog at all!

"Cat's are much more independent." she said. I think I heard bitterness in her inflection.
"And although cat's don't need it from you humans…we put up with your affection."

"Cats will never learn a silly trick…the kind that dogs are taught…
If you think that dogs are smarter than cats…think again…they're not! "

After listening to their arguments
(No more animals contact me…please!)
I understand all animals…have their own specialties…

And I end this poem a different person
who understands every animal…every cat and bird and frog
should be proud of their accomplishments
and stand together with the dog….

The dog is certainly no more special than the rest.
I'm speaking now as a diplomat.
(By the way…in case you're wondering
It was the cat who made me say that.)