The Slip Leash

The sunken "ha-ha" security wall at the Washington Monument in Washington, DC.

Small days go by in their unwanted vests,

Each towing a person on a long slip leash,

Sufficing for a quick tour d'horizon.

I watch them through the window from my bed,

Beyond the frozen ha-ha of the world outside.

Soon enough, though, the novelty's gone.

I'll rise in a bit—it's time for wolves to leap,

And perhaps for lazy watchers to be led,

Instead of sprawling there in bed asleep.

I plug the fast charger into my phone—

Not that I've the slightest plan to roam!

Sufficient unto itself, the view's enough,

And any news is mostly, after all, just bluff.

(That should be “small dogs,” naturally!

Good thing you spotted it! But does it matter?

The difference fits the stuff, you see.)

Saturday, January 31, 2026