When Jake was born, seers foretold
the coming of a dog of renown,
a High Holy Dog, King of all Dogs —
You will know him by his kneelessness,
they whispered, and said no more.
Now, waddling through the perfumed pleasure gardens,
Gentle Jake stares blankly at other barks,
and elevates himself just so, it being base
to stoop any lower than this
most perfect distance from the ground.