Poem: Walking Separately

Yeah old buddy, reach down and unsnap my leash.

Walking Separately This part of me walks separately A dog on a leash, straining for freedom Wanting to catch a rabbit, with absolutely no idea of what to do with one So reach down and unsnap me I’ll take off through the bushes, ears flying and bounding Picking up brambles that you can pick out later if you’ve any patience left Maybe I’ll run all night, howling at the moon To climb the silvered hills, swim creeks and scramble up the muddy banks Screaming with the pack There’s wildness in me Wildness in us all, a need beyond the supper-dish Cozying in your lap, snoozing afternoons and these leashed walks I’ll be home in a day or two, or maybe ten or maybe not It’s that way with domesticated breeds They seem so much at ease, but part of them walks separately

This poem is included in Jim Freeman's poetry collection BROKEN PIECES available here in print or as an e-Book in your favorite formats.