off the chain

she used to laugh
and say

I was off the chain, implying
that I was
a wild

dog that had escaped his
leash,
his tie down
around
a big oak tree.

I had jumped the fence
was running free.

you're off the chain, she'd
say, happy
for me.

I wish I could run with you,
but I got
this house,
these kids,
the dogs, a job,

responsibilities,
and god help me, I've got
this ring.