Animal

I am a dog in need of walking
deprived
of chasing things I would like to catch
I am detached
and tied up all at once.

Throw something at me and see if I run.

Try it, see if I come.

You are a field
further away
some place
I would prefer to be
If I wasn’t me.

I might lay here
curled
within the papasan of my choices
well tamed and trained
some days
I am a pet
some days
I am an animal.

© ryan


PJ Ryan

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About PJ Ryan

I write about life – yours, mine, theirs, his, hers, yesterdays and tomorrow.

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Tags

animal, wild, freedom, tame, instinct, leash, pj ryan

Comments

  • BiographyofRed8
    BiographyofRed8about 2 years ago
    the wild animal longs for freedom, even when it is tied to the responsibilities of its own choices, i think we are all wild animals, or have that longing to be free. Also humans should be more like animals, and snarl or snap and bite when they are angry or haven’t been taken out for long walks in fresh air. You’ve managed to use this metaphor very cleverly, for I think many people would identify with that feeling of longing mixed with a hint of bitterness (or a snap)
  • Ushna Sardar
    Ushna Sardarabout 2 years ago

    excellent piece Nic!

  • Matthew Robert
    Matthew Robertabout 2 years ago

    woof
    great work nic :)

  • Matt Penfold
    Matt Penfoldabout 2 years ago

    You sound like a walking conundrum Nic, (that’s like a labradoodle ;-)
    I guess we all have that inner conflict to some extent (if we have any spirit)

  • latecomer
    latecomerabout 2 years ago

    Very touching.

  • Hathor
    Hathorabout 2 years ago

    here, here. I will play fetch with you anyday, luv. I much prefer the animal days.

  • isiz
    isizabout 2 years ago

    pabulum…

  • Loui  Jover
    Loui Joverabout 2 years ago

    a dog with the soul of Baudelaire….interesting and fine

  • Arcadia Tempest
    Arcadia Tempestabout 2 years ago

    The bite in this was apparent to me..
    Some days the animal is us doesn’t want to be tamed….and we can be wild at heart
    Oh and to be a pet….that also has some rather redeeming qualities …can we not be both? xx

  • Lisa  Jewell
    Lisa Jewellabout 2 years ago

    you trot like one of those french poodles
    and live
    with the heart of a blue heeler xxx