One of my favorite episodes of the TV series Northern Exposure (1990-1995) was called “Rosebud.” I especially love the storyline which has Native American healer Leonard Quinhagak — played by the wonderful Graham Greene — arriving in town hoping to study the healing myths of white culture. Unfortunately, all the local folks can offer him is a collection of urban legends and tall tales. Holling Vincouer helpfully relates the story of Paul Bunyan and Babe, the blue ox; but when Leonard earnestly asks him how this story affects his life on a day-to-day basis, Holling thinks a moment and then responds, “I have gone for years without even thinking about him.”

That was how I felt the other day when I happened across this photo on Facebook — the dish with the figures painted on them. Somehow, I instantly recognized the Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat, and I knew it was from a poem from my childhood, but that was as far as my memory went. When I finally dug out a copy of the poem (written by Eugene Field in the 1890s) I was surprised to find the title was The Duel.

The gingham dog and the calico cat

Side by side on the table sat;

T’was half -past 12 and (what do you think)

Not one not t’other had slept a wink!

The Old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate

Appeared to know as sure as fate

There was going to be a terrible spat.

(I wasn’t there; I simply state

What was told to me by the Chinese plate!)