Collar

One of the most painful things
I've ever done
on purpose
was wearing a collar

And while feeling distinguished
and flashing my airs
I choked myself

Snapped back into shape
I shifted in my chair
and breathed in the toxic fumes
those electrons
that jump off hairs
and make the room spin

Maintaining poise
and holding the pose
I had to pause
these interruptions could be fatal

Cleverly keeping my busy paws busy
I examined the other ones that I could see
and imagined what it would be like
to not have control

Others have not been so successful
and it's often the others that make a fine mess
pride and shame and innate intelligence

Leave us with a page turner
and we have to constantly ask ourselves
do we want to turn pages
or be pages
--
10.27.07