on dog-walkers in redhouse park

they meet like spies
passing secrets
in the lamplight

as the spaniel
snouts the pinscher
for the news –

"nice night for it"
one says in greeting
like a tuning fork

for their small talk
of the offside rule
May's plans for Brexit

and the build quality
of their upmarket hamlet
when the spaniel

takes the sumo pose
and the pinscher
is dragged away

a slight nod
between the owners
as they part

like a silent salute
to all the little victories
that brought them here