I circle the yard in 166 steps
around and around the circumference
often with dogs walking beside me

taking many more than the 8000
of my daily goal.
West Texas weather leaves a dry track
but new neighbors next door
drain the swimming pool so it’s muddy.
Would it be rude to tell them the sellers
drained it to the west where houses are far away?
The dogs know the drill, four thousand morning steps
then evening’s 4000 more,
they whine at the door when it’s time
to circle the yard in 166 steps
around and around the circumference.