This short poem expresses the speaker’s hope that the universe is looking out for her in the same way that she is looking out for her dog.  

This poem is about how we sometimes deceive ourselves into thinking we are doing good in the world, but we miss the opportunity to do the small things that might make a big difference. 

In this poem, the speaker reflects on the struggles and discouragement of public service and how sometimes even our best attempts to make a difference are not enough to make an actual difference. (Closed captioning available on the video)

In The Book of Delights, poet Ross Gay committed to writing every day for a year about something that delights him. He collected his best reflections into one book. Short and sweet, “Sharing a Bag” asks us to consider what we gain when we do things with others – especially things “we could manage just fine solo."

Lying in the late afternoon sun, the speaker of the poem finds their quiet relaxation interrupted by the agonizing yaps of a neighbor’s neglected, short-chained dog.