years ago in the dark
there is a staircase here
it reminds me of one we walked together
together, alone, years ago in the dark (shh)
you were different then -- so was i
we were happy (don’t talk)
i try to avoid that staircase
each step is a reminder (why?)
that it is there to be stepped on
with muddy shoes and disregard
and to lead us along (why?)
but sometimes i forget
and i take that staircase
only to remember halfway down
that i don’t want to be here (hello?)
it’s too painful -- i can’t walk slow enough
there is no escaping the end.
i know.
i’ve taken these stairs before.
they always end.
