feeling like a caged dog that runs in circles
till it can no longer stand
just wanting to be out and free
and to lick its owner’s hand
to hear from him some soothing words
and feel a pat on the head
to be safe and protected
before its spirit’s dead
by the time the dog is released
its will will be gone
chronically frightened and unhappy
it’ll be too scared to go on

3/30/98