A Convenient Excuse

I have heard people say that "a dog is a tie".

These are not dog lovers, obviously.  

Today I propose an alternative view,

And I hope you don't think me obtuse

When I state that a dog's a convenient excuse. 

When the person's a lark, and it's hours after dark,

And the party's gone on far too long,

And they hate to seem rude by departing too soon, 

They remember the dog that they've left all alone.

At such times, a dog's a convenient excuse. 

If the cycling club's due to ride all the day through,

But the forecast's for afternoon rain, 

Then why not join in until coffee, then say

That you need to turn back 'cos your dear pet's shut in.

Again, I contend that a dog's a convenient excuse. 

 

When family stresses make home life oppressive,

(We all know this happens sometimes),

The claim you can make, that the dog needs a walk,

Ignoring the fact he's on bed, fast asleep,

Demonstrates how a dog's a convenient excuse.

In long wakeful nights, when losing the fight 

Against intangible worries and strife.

A person's mind might focus on how short

A dear dog's life is, and other woes suppress.

And in this too, a dog's a convenient excuse. 

PS from Gail: This poem should, of course, include a 'dog ate my homework' verse, but my family never had a dog when I was a child, and anyway I was a diligent little swot who almost always handed her homework in on time!