nipping at your ghost

”Nipper”

 

A small dog waits

beside the brass horn,
ears lifted,

body held in that soft readiness
only devotion can teach.

Once a wanderer,
he learned the shape of shelter
in the warmth of a single voice.

 

Now the room is quiet,
yet he leans

toward the horn’s bright mouth
as though a familiar breath

might rise again
from its painted metal.

 

Brush in hand,

he works the canvas again,
colours deepening

around the small dog’s frame.

 

The horn waits, bright at the rim,
and the dog leans toward it,
steady as breath before a word.

 

Nothing moves in the room
except the faint shift of his ears,
as though some quiet spark
might rise from the metal
and meet him halfway.

 

.

 

.

Reviews

[FlatDaddy]

Your pic of Nipper appears to be the same one -- or close to it -- that RCA used in its ads. I recall, as a child, being entranced bt that picture, but it seems to me that his head was cocked a bit, assuring the watcher that he was indeed listening to the recording.

I was struck by your fourth verse, where you "stepped out" of the poem to write it, then the next verse takes us back to Nipper. This is an unusual piece that takes me back many years. I like this very much. You have such a deft touch, redd. You bring your work to life with the slightest touches, just enough paint on your canvases to show the images, and yet they are clearly seen. That's quite a gift you have, my friend.

FD/K

[redd Brick Keshner]

It was indeed a sentimental journey for me as well. I’ve been pondering getting myself a turntable just to reclaim something of the distant past. To me, Nipper was more than a registered ®️ Trademark ™️ but must have had a really resonant backstory which is why the strange technique. Thanks for picking up on that🙏🏻🕊️

[FlatDaddy]

It is always a pleasure to jump into your pages and wander about. I must admit I am a bit jealous of that soft touch you have. I tend to write with a sledgehammer. I think it must be the Texan in me. Either that or I need to change my underwear more often.

[redd Brick Keshner]

Oh, believe me, sledgehammering is good too and have had my share of that. Perhaps the eclectic community journey has rubbed off over the years- so many options it makes Baskin Robins 31 blush !

[FlatDaddy]

Yeah, and I must confess, I like my sledgehammer. And every once in a while it can be used with a deft touch. But it IS atypical for me.

[Vol]

Redd,
Reminds me of the old RCA logo "His Master's Voice." But this is so much more subtle, scarries so much weight, "he learned the shape of shelter
in the warmth of a single voice."
I am a terrible pet owner; my dogs love me, worship me with their eyes, and I turn my back because I have more important things to do... I'm too old to run, no matter how they beg. When I travel, someone else has to sit with them.
Yoppu have treated them better here in this poem than I do...

[redd Brick Keshner]

That it’s kernel of inspiration, dear Vol. We all do our best within our means and ponder the fact that we could always do better both with pets and other relationships. A moving response, truly and deeply appreciated 🙏🏻🕊️

[lizzie]

Hey! I’ve been reading your story and truly enjoyed it the emotions feel grounded and the pacing works beautifully. Certain scenes instantly stood out visually.
I’m a commission-based comic/webtoon artist, and I’d love to connect if a visual adaptation ever crosses your mind.
Instagram: lizziedoesitall

[Michael Sun Bear]

Sorry I couldn’t get into the poem. The title freaked me out. When I was a kid we had a dog named Nipper who suffered years of abuse from my father. I am still haunted by his memory.

[redd Brick Keshner]

I am so sorry to hear about this, Michael. This particular pet (with the same name) recognised its master’s (recorded) voice and became the trademark logo of RCA Victor vinyl records “His Master’s Voice” (HMV). 🙏🏻🕊️

[Michael Sun Bear]

Ah yes, before my time but somewhere long ago I saw reproductions. My mother had a small vinyl collection, I may have seen it there.

[redd Brick Keshner]

Sweet. It’s one of those bygone things that had meant something back in the day and was at times passed on. 🙏🏻🕊️

[jacob erin-cilberto]

We miss our pets when they die but likewise their pain is great when they lose their masters. And they continually moan and wish their master back into being.
This gave me chills.
IN spots it also reminded me of old RCA 45's and their label...even though it was a phonograph, the pic made it look the dog was looking at a horn.
I like this poem so much.

[redd Brick Keshner]

The were the best records we had! 45’s, 33’s and even several 78’s. Thanks, j.
Freds 🕊️🙏🏻

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Freds,
I developed an appreciation for
Classical music in my very early years (although I am a Rockerat heart) because my parents had such a large collection of classical music on 78 records.
I had my own 78's as well, but I kept dropping them and they would instantly smash into smithereens.

[redd Brick Keshner]

I remember the distinct sound of smashing records. Quite defining memories. I myself grew up in my parents’ collection. The range was so wide it went all the way up to Ray Conniff, Mantovani, and Broadway🕊️🙏🏻