Viaduct (Eclogue 6)

for Jon G.

There is a man

who walks across

the viaduct.

His shadow cast,

another self,

from the street lamps

at this time

when it is late enough—

but not too late.

In the distance,

church bells,

trains. While below,

the cars,

much in the way

of the river:

different, but not

different enough.

In this light enough,

his shadow

now extends

onto the highway

past the point

we can no longer

see. Listen to

the bells,

the trains,

the cars,

but hear most

the footsteps.

It is brave to be afoot.

John K., 11/9/2009, 10:06-10:18 PM