Running Free

Bound by harness, held by stake.
I watch as the wild surrounds me.
In the distance, I see them running.
To be free is not an option.
The desire is overpowering.

As they bound and romp,
I wonder to be them.
To tussle and wrestle,
to howl and roar.
I wish to be free, as they
so happily are.

I pull and tug,
growling to be free.
A door opens and a man yells.
I stop and look, wondering.
Would he miss me? In my longing
to be unharnessed and free?

I look back out into the
harsh moonlight.
There is no safety among the trees.
To be alone is not fulfilling.

To be free is not an option.
The overpowering desire, is but
a flame eager to burn higher.
I am compelled but to stay,
and wonder what being free will
be like some other day.