When The Master Returns

Matthew Mansfield

I am no different than anyone else out there. I mean, who hasn’t dabbled in poetry, right? Well, for the sake of argument, let’s say I’m completely normal and then in that case I’d like to share some different thoughts about poetry.

I’VE BEEN A HUGE WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE FAN EVER SINCE I WAS A BOY AND WATCHED MEL GIPSON PLAY HAMLET ON THE BIG SCREEN. IT WASN’T UNTIL I WAS 28 YEARS OLD BEFORE I WOULD EVER REALLY EXPLORE ANY IDEAS ABOUT POETRY THOUGH. IT WAS FUNNY HOW IT STARTED FOR ME THOUGH. IT WAS JUST AFTER MY FIRST SON WAS BORN. I WOKE UP ONE MORNING AND MY MIND WAS RUNNING, ALMOST IN THAT DREAM-STATE IF YOU WILL.

It was an odd experience, you see, my mind was running rather quickly and just basically spit out words and it seemed to be making sense; so, I quickly grabbed a pad of paper and a pen and wrote it out. The following poem is what my brain threw up at me:


When The Master Returns

By Matthew Mansfield

I love the innocent nature of dogs, I do.
They run, they play and they build things, too.

Though the things they build might be messy I find.
They still work and dig for that bone to find.

I watch them yes, from a far at play.
Diligently toiling to be alpha all day.

This busy keeping to them might seem wise of their kind.
But I rather their company to sit quietly behind.

I will leave for a while and then return.
To each accordingly many treats, if you but this learn.
Oft not showing the knowing from whence sustenance be.
Tis I, thy master that from all good things bring.

Then why at times do they disobey?
The proof of my lordship not truth to thee ring?

Then why fight and destroy? My life busy makes me.
So protect my place, chase off scoundrels that be.

I will return, ye have provisions, you will stay alive.
I have measured and rationed, enough there is to survive.

Then what shape of my kingdom upon my coming?
That depends, me thinks, on the show I find ye running.

I have trained thee; at all times, please let your kindness show,
Know this place to stay clean as through time do ye grow.

Here we are, I am back and now let us see,
Oh my goodness, this place, what a mess made thee!

When I said clean I meant clean; it will be your hide!
Now of me thee I will have to drive.

Do not to me turn thy glare.
This doing be yours, to thyself turn thy stare.

What Master wants servants that does not his chores?
Certainly not I, look, ye have ruined my floors!

Because rules were not kept and my temple is broken.
My punishment fixed upon thee, I have spoken!

I left when nice things all around me still pretty.
Now thy filth thou doth set on thy own head that I pity.

Why oh why? Have I not over time kept and trained thee?
How come now all this time this my reward thou doth bring me?

Yes, Ye know good and well of my love.
But because thou art filthy thou can not dwell here above.

So to thyself of a place I prepared, just in case.
I should leave and return and thou mess up the slate.

By the collar I grab you, to they doghouse ye go.
That will learn you to display rules ye already know.

Right from wrong I have taught thee, a whole house I must scrub.
Let fleas scourge thee till thy fur your paws thou shalt rub.

What is this, above all, now my company yearn?
Well enjoy this I hope: it’s my absence you’ve earned!

Whining and wailing? Boy oh boy what a show.
But judged is your state and further thou shall not grow.

Oh, but wait who is this that in doth scurry?
The good dog that scampered away at my furry.

I am sorry to you that my anger thou saw.
Rules are rules, we must follow, and not him and haw.

As for you, judgment still. But innocence do I perceive?
My presence and kingdom, for my rules did ye cleave.

Enjoy this, a warm treat, please eat by the fire,
Rest with me ye good dog in this place ye desire.


After that experience, I began writing poems for my son when he was first born. I knew that my son was nowhere close to understanding what I was writing, but in my heart, I wanted to leave him a few love notes that he could enjoy when he was old enough. For that reason, I had lots of fun putting together the poems you see here on this webpage. In fact, programming this page has reminded me about how much fun I had writing these. I may just pick it back up again and write a few more.

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