If you give me a tight leash i will walk by your side.

i might fall behind a step or two sometimes,

But that is not okay so you pull the leash tighter so i will keep up always.

i tried to run away once; the leash was just so tight

When you catch me you pull tighter, tighter, tighter

So i can never run away again.

You want me to do tricks along the way as well--

The leash is so tight it cuts into my skin--

i think if it was just a bit looser i could do your tricks easier.

But it is hard to breathe and i am falling behind and i can’t do your tricks--

i am stumbling and tripping and trying to keep up as you pull that leash

Tighter and tighter and tighter!

i am so tired, i just give up and you drag me along, pulling the leash tighter still.

Tighter, tighter, tighter,

Until you choke me to death and now you are dragging a lifeless body.

Will it take my beet red face and swollen purple tounge and glazed over eyes for you to realize

That if you loosened the leash i would walk beside you?

i would do your tricks to make you beam with pride;

But i couldn’t; i could barely breathe;

But tighter, tighter, tighter still, you pulled that leash.