The Hound Of Silents

My dog is a fan of the silent movies--

And because it is my role to serve him,

I rent them

And pop them in the player

For His Majesty's enjoyment.

My dog is a fan of silent movie actresses--

With their cinched waists

And enormous hats.

He works his mojo on them

Until I half expect them to lean out of the screen

And scratch behind his ears.

The silent movies are simple and rich in emotion

(Like me!)

And I like to believe

That's why he loves them so.

It being my role to serve him,

I fix supper

While he watches

Mary Pickford

Lillian Gish

Olive Thomas

Out-foxing the evil landlord

Or finding true love at last.

When we go out strolling,

I wear tons of make-up

With my hair hanging down my back in ringlets,

And despite my high neck and long skirts,

I know I look good in a way

That's not found today.

My dog just loves the silent movies,

And I just love His Highness--

He's

More handsome than Valentino,

More fabulous than Fairbanks,

And if I have to bat my eyelashes,

Throwing my arm across my forehead with a sigh

To keep him by my side,

Then--

Lights!

Camera!

Action!

For my pooch's pleasure,

A silent diva am I.

______________

For Bosco, of course! Photo: Lillian Gish