Dog Hero

For his tour around the USA in 1960

John Steinbeck had a camper van built

to his specifications, one of which was his mutt

Charley. The result was Travels With Charley

in which Steinbeck tells of a plastic bucket

with snug-fitting lid. Every night he adds water,

detergent, and the day’s laundry (including

whatever rag Charley has going). Tomorrow’s leg

will supply agitation. Where he stops

at night he can rinse and hang the laundry

and prime the bucket for the next cycle.

Charley understands this, an act he delivers

as casual worship at his master’s feet.

Charley is said (here) to have written

half the book, at least half, while Mr. Steinbeck

drove and made coffee (the part that earned awards--

all Charley) and filled his day as writers do

with tea, sleep and daydream. Counter-clockwise

from New York was Charley’s idea

as was the deep south to end

now let’s get home. Every time

Charley sees a camper van he gulps

and climbs in, all a dog can do.