I used to count the lamps along my route
And lift myself above the window’s edge
to see inside the government
We used to walk together,
climb the fire escapes we weren’t supposed to climb,
higher and faster and farther
We used to dance and hop and tease
the dogs who met us on the street
We were frisky, happy pups
***
It’s overcast this afternoon
And people carry bags of food
Got nothing for this hungry dog
Not even in a playful mood
Can’t lift my head to count these lamps
No mind to learn the legal code
No strength to climb up to the sky
Don’t recognize this road
The Replanted Writer 