If you ever
Owned a great grouse dog
You have had your reward
For this life and the next
(If the next there be)
But you will not own that dog
She or he will own you
Your heart and your soul and the rest of you
For a great grouse dog is “the all” there can be
What does that mean?
You ask of me
If you must ask
You ain’t a grouse hunter
That’s a certainty
For beyond a diamond gem declared without fault
Or a World’s Grand Champion Walkin’ Horse
A true great grouse dog is rare as rare as can be
If you was a true grouse hunter, you’d understand