The Big Scratchy Paw

In Marmalade Cottage, behind the stone wall,

Lived a Texas wolf-dog, the biggest of all,

With paws as large as a frying pan,

And nails as scratchy as a wild caveman.

When he wanted outside, he’d give a loud knock,

With a thud and a scratch, like a giant o’clock,

He’d use that big paw to bang on the door,

Whining “Let me out, I can’t take anymore!”

But when he needed to come back inside,

He’d scratch the window with an eeky slide,

His great paw would rasp a screeching sound,

As he begged for entry like a naughty hound.

He’d greet the guests with a bouncing leap,

Slashing their shoulders, bruises to keep,

He’d scrawl up their torso, seeking love galore,

Leaving them patterned, raked, and sore.

With his toys on the rug, he’d create a ruckus,

Scrawking and pouncing and causing a fuss,

And when other dog mates refused his demands,

He’d tear up their heads with his massive hands.

For treats in the cupboard, a knock he’d deploy,

Scratching and banging, oh, what a joy!

Leaving marks on larder, scrapes on the floor,

As he sought his sweeties, at least twenty-four.

When he wanted to run, he’d spin and shout,

Leaving lacerated ground around and about,

Raking the grass with his monstrous claw,

As he raced around quite a lot and some more.

But when you were sleeping, and dreams were sweet,

He’d wake you up with a powerful beat,

A wallop from that big foot, what a clout!

Nearly knocking your brilliant brains clean out.

So here’s to the wolfit with the scratchy nails,

Whose great right hook left trails of tales, 

He’d knock and he’d scratch, and often implore,

And brand you with claws until you were raw.

Inktober 2023

31 Days – 31 Drawings – 31 Tales