I am the ox
traveling in circles
around the tracks of a treadwheel
though there is no yoke around my neck

I am the horse
heading toward the barn
at the sound of the saddle taken out
because I know what’s coming

I am the dog
skulking back to my owner
with my head down and tail gently wagging
after just being whipped

I am the house cat
sitting patiently, expectantly
next to an empty bowl of food
I won’t let you forget

I am the bird
flying south for the winter
in flawless formation just like the rest
but not in the lead