I Walk The Same Street Each Day

I Walk The Same Street Each Day

I walk the same bit of road

same dog barking behind the gate

same woman peering through her blinds

like the day might change

if she watches it close enough.

postman gives a nod,

not a word

that’s alright.

I’ve got enough of those

rattling in my head.

The pavement’s cracked near the crossing

been that way three winters

council promised

they’d come sort it

I don’t hold my breath.

I past the corner shop,

It’s where she used to stand,

cig in hand.

hair like someone else’s

always talking too loud

gone now

but I still expect to see her.

it’s quiet now

too quiet sometimes

but I go

because going feels better

than staying still

one step

then another,

same street

different sky,

somehow that’s enough

for today.

I don’t need a reason,

don’t wait for signs.

I just keep moving

boots on worn lines,

there’s power in showing up

when no one claps.

and if no one sees me

I see me

still upright

still bloody-minded

still here

and walking every day

I will never give up being me.