The Long Walk Home

by Twan - Aries

Sitting here gazing at nothing my thoughts
take me back to a time that I never seemed to stop
When I turned on my heel, and from B and H began the slow clop.
There's Clark Street, the first street I cross with nary
A qualm as it intersects with Halsted and Barry. 
Smiling slightly I cross Wellington with a nod to the past
My pace quickens, sun's rising-gotta get home fast!
Hey, it's Diversey but I'm still a block away
Regretting that I didn't for another hour stay
Head up I keep walking, hitting Webster and-that street
That I've done this for three years...some feat!
Lill, Draper, Lincoln's signs
I wonder should I head back toward Kingston Mines
But I cross Fullerton, I'm now on DePaul's land
As my feet stretch like an industrial band
Hey, I've just made Webster...I'm close to the 'hood
That street I first thought was Webster? Wrightwood
Armitage! Automatically my head turns to the east
That school where I was probably last...and least. 
Smack my lips and shuffle on, crossing the long streets to Willow
The El tracks loom, both above and below.
North and ...that street, Clybourn...where I learn
the easiest way to get there? One left turn
And I hit Larrabee, I've made it home, Yeah!
But the elevator's broken...14 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS!
And I'm an asthmatic, I mutter as my chest grows tight
But I do it anyway, I scale this height
Go in, lay down and regenerate my husk
my face seems whiter than an elephant's tusk
I wish I would move, as the sky gets light
But that's a dream, I think, It'll happen again tonight

Then my mind clears, and I'm home in the MN
Smiling sadly at the fact these are only memories within.
And walking to the door, inspiring the tide, 
unlocking the door, and disappearing inside.
Birth sign: Aries
Date created: 2007-05-14 18:08:38
Last updated: 2021-03-03 14:47:07
Poem ID: 71668

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