mister isn't feeling so well. 
he hasn't had much appetite, 
loose bowels, an air of inward preoccupation. 
oh god, i hope he's alright. 
so we were heading for home, and just after this 
we encountered a couple with two black dogs, 
and i sensed trouble immediately, so i greeted the first 
dog, asking if they were friendly. 
the dog was picking up on the energy 
on the other end of the leash, 
and it was not good. 
the first human said, our dogs don't like 
dogs who are off the leash. 
really? interesting. my dog doesn't like 
when dogs are restrained and tense. 
it quickly escalated from there, 
while mister and the first dog 
were calmly sniffing.
so i went on to the second sorry human 
who may have been even more tense than the first, 
and he said even good dogs should always be on the leash, 
responsible people always have good dogs 
on the leash. 
as if the leash was the very definition of goodness and responsibility.
it's already long here i see, 
so let's cut to the chase: 
he invoked the law angrily, 
i said call the law, 
motherfucker, 
you just don't get it do you, 
freedom is outrageous to you, right? 
fuck off. 
it was much louder than text can convey. 
but you can see the exclamation marks 
clouding the air, right? 
then we were so relieved to find the solace 
of about twelve birders and friends of conscience. 
we basked in their energy and mister perked up 
going to each one in love and gratitude. 
we left feeling much lighter, me sighing, mister panting, 
and on the way out saw the hateful couple pass 
with not the slightest glance our way. 
i imagine the shame they wanted to lay on me 
redounding to them, but i really don't care. 
there will always be haters 
in these disunited hates, 
and i am proud to be an advocate of freedom, 
with love and responsibility,
without threat, without the blunt weapon of law,
for the dogs, for love, for people of conscience. 

it's about the dogs, naturally,
but it's about so much more.
they just don't get it. 
and that's why america is so empirically fucked up.
no sympathy, no understanding, no tolerance
for freedom. 

i would rather go in peace.
i will fight the sanctimonious motherfuckers
for freedom. 

the haters have the law and the entire hateful system on their side,
but i will be fierce for freedom.