In the still of night, he silently left home,
No money in his pocket, only a fine tooth comb.
Of his family's feelings he didn't care,
Their futile arguments he could no longer bear.

Early next morning when his family awoke,
They realised his threats had been no joke.
His tantrums and moods they alweays despised,
But realise now what feelings he'd disguised.

"Scruffy" his spaniel pined on the floor,
Watching for his pal to come back through the door.
Not understanding why he had gone,
He paced round his room from dusk until dawn.

On the media they made an urgent appeal,
Expressing their wishes of how they would feel,
If only they knew that he was alright,
They promised that never again would they stupidly fight.

They searched the parks and talked to his friends,
Checked the long reeds where the wide river bends.
Took "Scruffy" along to their favourite walks,
All along the shore and down to the docks.

It's five years now since they last saw their son,
Playing with "Scruffy" and having some fun.
"Scruffy " has now gone to the kennel in the sky,
And still they argue who is to blame, but never why?

(c) John McKay Withey