When the Streets Forgot My Name

Once I walked Like I belonged. Each step proud, Each breath strong. The city knew The sound I made, The echo sharp Across the blade. Of time and rust And smoky skies, Of hurried feet And fading ties. The lamplight blinked When I passed by. The crows would pause, The dogs would sigh. But now I move Through ghostly air, No glance, no nod Just silent stare. My name once roared From shopfront signs, Now dust has drowned Their weathered lines. I tap the stone, It does not ring. The ground forgets It once had spring. I see a child Run past with glee. A shadow laughs But it's not me. I try to speak, My voice too dry. A whisper lost Beneath the sky. I wait for dawn But dusk repeats. My echo’s gone From all the streets. So tell the world Before I go: A name erased Still leaves a glow.