is two miles daily in ratty sneakers

the oak with the dead limb
the porch with the tandem swing
neighbor’s schnauzer at the picture window
for sale sign sways under the white post

I turn for home at the hydrant
wind into the collar
soft frayed coat sleeve
patch still holds on the left shoe

tomorrow the gravel lane
with the overhang of trees
and the horse pasture

(Published in Dappled Things, Volume 11, Issue 2)