After his long, arduous trip, Finchley headed straight for a refreshing shower. Those cities he passed through were dusty and hot. Then he hobbled over to the refrigerator for some sustenance. Paul was eagerly waiting his arrival and the refrigerator was well stocked with all kinds of goodies, tasty goldfish hors d'oeuvres and banana cream pie. After cleaning up, eating and drinking, Paul tucked him into bed. Doesn't he look snug and comfortable? Welcome Home, Finchley *** He had to face facts. He did not like dogs. But for a while he might need some help getting about. Seeing Eye Dogs were definitely out of the question. Oddly, he had grown up seeing Seeing Eye Dogs on an almost daily basis. The Seeing Eye Foundation was based in his home town. The van would drive into town and park on a street in his neighborhood. The patients, dogs and trainers would get out of the van, and walk along the sidewalks. After a few weeks of training in the residential area, they would tackle the downtown. As used as he was to them, he still did not like dogs. Then he heard about a charity in Arizona that provided Seeing Eye flamingos! The foundation very kindly sent him their best Seeing Eye flamingo, Finchley. *** Flamingo, Fare Thee Well The flamingo made itself at home, And Paul was pleased to welcome his guest. All across the country did it roam, And at last it will get a long rest. The bird didn’t travel in first class, Sharon wouldn’t come up with the dough. Stuck in the rear of a van, alas, As to various states did it go. For the flamingo, not a nice time, Putting up with foul air and hard bumps. And all those many changes of clime, Really had the bird down in the dumps. Hungry and thirsty for many days, The flamingo darn near expired. The ordeal is over, but it says, “A screw up! Someone should be fired!” A lot of folks are grateful, I’m sure. Paul has provided birdseed and drink, And a place to rest from it’s long tour. Soon the bird will be back in the pink. *** Finchley's Day I Hanging on wires of indecision, his back against a flimsy wall, he bravely faces the crowd's derision, their callous taunts -- "You're gonna fall!" II Dropped to an entry level position, he's given neither fork nor spoon; an empty bowl of life's ambition completes his dog-day afternoon. III He greets the night with appreciation; adjusts his hat and wiggles his toes, then settles down in anticipation... in dreams he always wins -- by a nose! © Paul (AHikingDude@aol.com): Owner WRITERS' CORNER: INDEX © Photographs by Paul (AHikingDude@aol.com) ~Graphics by Marilyn~