when I travel the rough paved roads
ones faced by metal doors and delivery docks
I no longer stumble on the broken curbsides
my gait undone by my broken heart
once I grieved on those back corners
cried in the rain so no one saw my tears
unexpected strangers shared my burden
let their hearts break open with mine
these exchanges proving prior connection
subterranean tug and flow of outpoured love
drew away selfish cold isolation
ceaseless buffet of harsh afflictions
now I carry in my pockets bits of sorrow
transformed by compassion’s embrace
drop them among the rocks on the street
reminders of level kinship between us
no I no you no they no we
and always the memory of her luminous smile
his gentle welcoming gaze
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