Fighting for dog custody

An older lady

Crossing the crosswalk

Runs behind her dog

Holding the leash

Trying to keep up

Arm outstretched

Until she can’t

And let’s go

As the leash falls

And the dog is free

To sprint full speed

To meet a friend

—A man outside

Of the coffee shop

Holds out his arms

For the dog

To jump up

And say hello