Time Line

She use to shake it

theater style

laughing

having fun

until time reflected

too many views

too many meanings

perhaps not a nice girl

anymore

butt motion

making her

dance draining

her very soul

out on the street

running

escaping

into a church

crying on her knees

no one there

in the middle of the night

asking for forgiveness

tears tapping on the tile floor

so quiet

so still

a candle lit

the light

answering.

Distant Call

Too many neighborhoods

city fences and yards

street signs and corners

schools filling up

and letting out

the day years

wondering nights

growing questions

into the morning rise

tying shoes

and zippers sealing

too many glow screens

at home and school

blurring

thoughts

and decisions

lasting too long

and not long enough

someone telling

everything

with their opinion

until someone sings

truth on the playground.

Footsteps

The kids have had enough

and wondering why

the gates are too easy to open

and too hard to climb

young hands

ready to touch life

so tentative

quick

without thinking

reflexes

ready

for the bell ringing

forever not a trick

always there

near and distant

like a dream

night and day

footsteps

freeing.