For Penelope

Give me your paw, oh lovely girl,
And wish me best of luck
You know it's hard in this mad world
To make an honest buck.

I could be fighting in some war
For Gog of some Magog--
It makes no difference any more--
I'd rather be a dog.

I'd sniff some butts and wag my tail,
While barking at the moon,
Reciting my poetic tales
That make young puppies croon.

I'll play accordion with my heart
In Russia and Ukraine,
And urinate my modern art
In shelters for insane.

I'd bark at all those lying whores,
Who spread democracy,
While sowing misery and wars
That kill humanity.

            April 19, 2022
          --Alexander Shaumyan