The Leash Tightens - Nov. 4, 2025

same route, same trees and bushes,

same rocks, same dogs and dog walkers,

same time, every day

yet, Oliver loves this path we walk

each morning, sniffing for the subtlest

clues left in that last 24 hours

his leash never relaxes from boredom

but tightens to examine

every step along the way

while some mornings, I just drag,

head down, past or future

strapped to my back,

missing the signs of life