Stepping Off the Wheel - Jan. 10, 2026

retirement is for the birds,

at least those fed and caged

or a hamster just off the wheel

or lions and elephants

meercats, monkeys

snakes and tortoises

with lots of free time to wander

around the edges of glass

peek through bars and barriers

and enjoy the life’s entertainment

age captures us, too

we fall into the trap

of physical limits

find movements restricted,

a wide dry moat even works,

where the prospect of a long steep climb

down then up becomes a daunting escape

so we return home

find a comfortable cushion,

grab a drink and a snack,

curl up

and wait

for the next scheduled feeding