by Bruce Bennett

“The Blessing of the Animals service at Washington National Cathedral
has seen people bring reptiles, birds and a misbehaving hedgehog…”
—The Washington Post

Of course bring your dog or your cat.
Your spider. Your bunny. Your rat.
You’ll quickly forget
All ills of your pet.
Our blessing will take care of that.

What works for a gerbil or mouse,
And even, perhaps, for a louse,
Won’t work for an Ass
Or any—Alas!—
Who are there from the Senate or House.