Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Cats and Dogs!




How often we say things without thinking!


CATS AND DOGS!

'It's raining cats and dogs!' we cry! 'It's raining cats and dogs!'
So why not chickens, centipedes and rats and mice and frogs?
Well, all of them are valid, or were once long ago
In the days when life was simpler and the pace of it was slow.
Here I'll explain the reason why we give this exclamation....
It has to do with an ancient and quite awkward tribulation.
*
The roofs of many houses were made of twigs and reeds
And, on dry days, these were enough to cater to men's needs.
But often livestock, or family pets would make their way and creep
Inside the matted twigs and grass and lie there fast asleep!
Heat from the family fire seeped up and kept them safe and warm,
But it was a different story in a deluge or a storm!
Then the roof grew slippery and soon came gaping holes
Dislodging cats and dogs..... and other creatures, even moles!
Down through the roof they tumbled, on to the cottage floor;
Sometimes there were one or two, sometimes even more!
'Look at it raining cats and dogs!' the children used to cry!
 And still you shout the same today!

Now you know the reason why.



9 comments:

Jay said...

I have no idea if that's true, but it's a wonderful explanation! LOL!

Patty said...

Hope you had a terrific holiday week-end.

Kat said...

mmmm not sure if the imagination has been working over-time..!!!

Sounds a bit convincing :)))

Tammy Brierly said...

I loved your reason!

Brian Miller said...

ha. i love that reason as well. happy tt!

Harnett-Hargrove said...

Thanks for the history lesson. Happy TT! -J

PattiKen said...

Great history lesson, and in rhyme! Bravo!

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

you are full of imaginations,
lovely reason for it.

Baino said...

Absolutely true, every word of it!