One of the Ladies Who Walks Her Dog in a Group

You are
equal to them.
You are one of them.
Worthy of a smile.
You are wearing
worthy clothes others
immured with respect.
You know how to keep
your troubles silent.
 .
They don't need
to take too much
time with you.
You stand straight
not stooped. They
like you
uncomplaining.
They will walk
beside you.
.
It's not just
the vision of them
moving down
the street with
unforgiving
harmony on their faces
and the obedient dogs
parading. I imagine
a march of proud
creatures of the past
kept together with
elastic bonds that
stretch and bind.