the essence of
inherent worth
is found
in my Labradors
motions
as he
wrestles
the rope toy
from
my
fingertips

eyes unbound
and indirect
furrowed brows
shoulders
reverse hunched
and straining
against
collapse

the prize is
invented
and worthless
without the
chase

the prize is
everything
there ever was
and everything
there ever will
be