Carolyn Wells

The Pirate Poodle

Once there was a Pirate Poodle,
  And he sailed the briny seas
From the land of Yankee Doodle
  Southward to the Caribbees.

He would boast with tales outlandish,
  Of his valor and renown;
And his cutlass he would brandish
  With a fearful pirate frown.

So ferocious was his manner
  All his crew looked on, aghast;
And his fearful pirate banner
  Floated from his pirate mast.

He reiterated proudly
  Naught had power to make him quail;
Yet when thunder roared _too_ loudly
  He would turn a trifle pale.

And he turned a little paler
  When there came a sudden squall;
For this funny little sailor
  Was ridiculously small. 

And whene'er a storm portended
  He'd betake himself below.
So much fear and courage blended
  Did a pirate ever show?