Notation on Immortality

WE sat debating many things together,
Old Rover drowsy on the floor, and then,
Watching him hunt in dreams, we argued whether
A dog will live again.

Searching the Scriptures, ‘perish as a beast’
We could recall, and, in another place,
‘Without are dogs’ ... in all the scroll no least
Promise for Rover’s race.

Lean and unkempt beside his owner’s chair
He sprawled. We could not clearly picture him
Ranging around with sheep-burrs in his hair
Among the seraphim.

The fire went out, the hall clock struck eleven.
Stretching, he sighed, and edged a little way
Nearer his master’s foot •— already in heaven
And asking but to stay.