If You Ever

If you ever as a boy
Shot at a grouse or quail
Over a dog pointed
You know the thrill

For some that thrill persists
And becomes a way of life
An escape from countless worries
A way to capture joy

And for a few
The connection with the dog
Becomes the thing
And bird dog field trials come to dominate

The beauty of the country
Where game birds live and thrive
Enjoyed aboard a walking horse
Becomes the central drive

If you’re plum rich
You buy a quail plantation
If you’re not you work on one
Or you may just come and visit
When the trial dogs come to run