routine walking
and now I sit atop
above the sirens, mowers, sounds
cars are passing, moving faster than I care to this evening
I ask myself how I am, as if I am two people seated as opposed to just me
if there’s any concern about the happenstance and my composure
fine, I’m fine, I tell myself
and it’s true
I’m looking ahead
realizing there is more, much more
I needn’t rely on memory or reminders
the good stuff happens when I surrender while simultaneously moving
forward or sideways but never back
and that’s the crux
the familiar, though bland and often ugly, is behind me
a place I could easily return
like a dive motel on a no longer traveled route
I refuse and pay the price for something more
mostly, simply something serene
     no need for concern