The creatures of Attolia's fair court
some kept for pleasure only, some for sport
to chase unwanted villains from the grounds
and then return to give a full report

But in among these baying, howling hounds,
there's one most fierce and loyal in his rounds
He'll take no time to sleep or drink or sing
too lofty for such ordinary sounds

Of course, when one is set to guard a king
one cannot rest or stop for anything
Or else his queen will fix him with a look
and he will feel her disappointment's sting

And so this dog must play it by the book
pay penance for the foolish swing he took
do what he can to keep himself afloat
until perhaps one day he's off the hook.

So this is not to patronize or gloat
for soldiers all must trail their master's coat
But rather, future punishments to thwart
or play the sheepdog to the royal goat.

(I tried my hand at a Rubaiyat for this one - kind of fun!)