i walk the dark street.

the one where all the lights have been shot out.

there's always a rain puddle or two.

the buildings that the sidewalks hold up never have a light on.

i'm not even sure anyone lives there.

all the parking meters have been be-headed.

surely, a car hasn't lined the curb in years.

the king's of it's alley arms walk on all fours,

& never look me in the eye or extend a word of conversation.

the wind seems to blow a little harder & more direct this time of night.

i walk the dark street,

& i love it.

not in a million years, but if you were to pass me on this street,

you'd see a smile on my face and hear the song that resonates between my ears

& somewhere just behind my eyes.

i get it.

it's my street.

& every night, just as i turn the corner to head home,

i'm exposed to the other streets.

loud & busy.

bright with light & distraction.

i approach my front door & every time, 

realize i'm not smiling anymore.

then i close the door behind me, slide to the floor, close my eyes,

& go back there.

ambling in the dark...

not afraid, but smiling.