When I’m Walking...

[jim turner]

When I’m walking...not so much
anymore...but I have been
walking a little and have come
to notice the noise cars make.

I’m on the sidewalk and the cars
rush up close behind me, on my left,
and I don’t see them till they pass.
I just can’t turn my head to look
at the last thing I might ever see.

It’s worse when the streets are wet.
Their tires scream like incoming
artillery shells and I never know
how close they’ll burst next time.

They always come faster than I think
they should, because I’m slowing down.
I’ve slowed down a lot, I feel,
and couldn’t dodge one if...well...
if it didn’t care whether it hit me.
I shrink inside, trying to make myself
small and think, well, maybe this one...

Jim 3/10

[joel]

They were my wheels screetching around a wettish corner this morning...late again...and perhaps needing the reminder. Beautiful vulnerability and relateable on too many fronts! Thanks, joel

[jim turner]

Thank you and take care. One of these icy mornings you might be later than you thought. jim

[joel]

Haha! I know! And I wish I'd respond with a deep and abiding commitment to better driving, yet instead I take all the more comfort in the new all-wheel-drive New England autowonder that sits in my parking stall.

Though, more seriously...I'll take the slower drive and pray more.

[.Lucy.]

Pedestrian vs. Driver

Walking along the potholed gravel
of First or Second Ave,
I'll be sideswiped by a cyclist
or by an unsuspecting cab.

I could shout out a rosary of expletives
but getting angry is useless.
So I resolve to remain the conscientious driver
I am, and walk away the stress.

[jim turner]

...takes a lot of self control. And what a strange rosary!! Thanks jim