When I was walking:
I stared at blackberries and the stains they left on the pavement.
I stared at stop lights & the city scape to my right.
I stared at the sky.
It's not empty.
The stars are still sleeping.
Dusk is here.
Night is coming.
They will wake.
Open their little eyes and look down at us widely.
When I was walking:
I thought of what I would name my children.
Thought of what we would be like in many years.
I couldn't close my eyes.
I could move my lips to the words in my ears.
Tap my fingers on my leg as if it were keys on a piano.
I grew angry with myself.
Refused to walk that way.
It's too late to be calling now.
To be complaining.
Once, there was a man who knew me.
Who I could tell my secrets to.
I heard his voice today, as I stood.
I wonder if I will be swollen shut in the morning?
Who will pry me open?
I have no energy to do it myself.
Last night I was awake.
I ran my fingers through your hair.
Do you know you snore and whisper little nothings into the air?
Sometimes I pretend it's my name.
Sometimes I pretend i'm not there.