Tell me what your name is
and what it means to you,
how it follows silently
to bite onto the new.Tell me what brings you to this place
and the journey that you took;
the adventure that you carried
as the ground beneath you shook.
I hear your huffs and puffs of fear
but let it be known that you are safe here.Tell me what you’re running from
and the way it snarls and barks;
the hateful eyes that locked on you
and its fangs like ancient sharks’.
And as you come to say its name,
I sense it catching up again.
Your breathing hastens, body tenses,
eyes go darting around the room.
And then the beast that shares your name
sinks its teeth in you again.
I see you crying out in pain
For the trauma’s starting up again.The black dog has returned again.
You can hate me, if you must,
for thinking we’d not rattle the cage.
But I have not betrayed my word,
for we outlive the black dog’s rage.I see your dog; I know him well.
But the leash needs turning the right way round.
For then the children can play with him,
for he is a puppy and not a hound.Now that I have seen his tricks,
I know your dog is a good one.
Let us relieve him of his duties
so that I can ask you – what is your name?Black Dog - by Tom Shaw
“Black Dog” was originally published via
in December 2023. It is one of the poems featured in my book “Born Anew and Other Poems”, which you can find out more about below:This is always one of my favourites to read live, and I find people from all walks of life are able to resonate with it. Let me know if you do too in the comments below:
Music: Squire Tuck - Soaring Above The Clouds
“Black Dog” is also available as a framed print. One of these currently lives on the wall of my grandma’s house, and it looks fantastic there. Check out the Shop page or use the product entries below to take a look.
Well done, Tom. You encapsulate the feeling in great detail. I especially liked these lines:
"And then the beast that shares your name
sinks its teeth in you again."
Beautiful spoken word and music! I found the video especially moving. I found this so relatable. Thanks Tom!