six dogs on a leash

i see the dog

walker

struggling

up the street

with his six dogs, each

different,

each

trying to go in a different

direction,

each with his

own

choice of hydrant

or tree.

each longing

for what's

in the man's pocket,

a treat.

the man looks at

me

and smiles.

better him, i think,

as i walk away,

better him than me.