Poems About Dogs: Poetic Paws

6. Elizabeth Barrett Browning, ‘To Flush, My Dog’.

This poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a loving tribute to her own beloved dog, Flush. She speaks of his “golden-eyed repose” and reflects on the special bond between them: “Thou art my heart’s companion still/I with thee, thou with me!” It’s a touching poem that captures the joy of having a canine companion and celebrates the deep bond between dogs and their owners.

7. William Wordsworth, ‘We Are Seven’

This poem by William Wordsworth is a classic and beloved look at the relationship between dogs and their owners. The narrator speaks of a young girl who has seven siblings – five are human and two are canine companions. He marvels at how she loves them all with equal devotion: “And they in the same way/Will love me, and each other”. It’s a charming poem that speaks to the special bond between humans and their canine companions.

8. Christopher Smart, ‘Jubilate Agno’

This epic poem by Christopher Smart is a humorous and heartfelt look at the relationship between humans and their canine companions. In it, he speaks of how his dog has stayed with him through thick and thin: “My cat Jeoffry does me care/For she finds her living here”. He also speaks of the joy that dogs can bring us: “For why? His love is temperate/He makes my spirit sanguine”. It’s a delightful poem that celebrates the unique bond between humans and their canine friends.

9. Christina Rossetti, ‘A Dog’s Life’

This poem by Christina Rossetti takes a fascinating look at the canine perspective. In it, she imagines what life would be like if humans could think and act like dogs: “Oh were I but a dog/To guard my master’s door…/His faithful dog at night/My watch to keep in sight”. It’s an entertaining and thought-provoking look at the canine point of view and captures the loyalty that so many dogs show their owners.

10. Robert Frost, ‘The Pasture’

This poem by Robert Frost is a gentle reflection on life with a canine companion. The narrator speaks of his time spent with his dog, “Where are we going, she and I?/A pastured lark or a flung seed” and reflects on the companionship they share: “We two together peer in our day/And bend to each other’s way”. It’s a beautiful poem that celebrates the joy that our canine companions can bring us.

11. Rudyard Kipling, ‘The Power of the Dog’

This poem by Rudyard Kipling captures the powerful bond between humans and their canine companions. The narrator speaks of how dogs can influence us in both good and bad ways: “For the strength of the pack is the wolf,/And the strength of the wolf is the pack”. He ends the poem with the powerful reminder that no matter how much we try to control them, “the power of the dog must pass”. It’s a poignant poem that speaks to all dog lovers and captures the special bond between humans and their canine companions.

12. Walt Whitman, ‘Song of Myself’

This iconic poem by Walt Whitman is a celebration of the bond between humans and their canine companions. In it, he speaks of how a dog can be both a loyal friend and an extension of himself: “My tread scares the wood-drake and wood-duck on my distant and day-long ramble”. He also speaks of the joy that his canine companion brings him, “My own hands carried me there/And here I travel back again”. It’s a beautiful poem that captures the unique bond between humans and their canine friends.

These 12 poems about dogs capture the unique bond between humans and their canine companions. Whether it’s a humorous look at the canine perspective or a poignant reflection on life with our furry friends, these best dog poems will speak to every dog lover out there. So next time you’re in need of some canine-inspired poetry, look no further than this list!

Enjoy!