A Dark Sidewalk

A dark sidewalk, a lonely, lonely walk

In the shadows.

The years fade, yet remain attached,

Often like shackles.

Is that branch there ahead a hand

Reaching for my neck?

Loneliness rides atop bad decisions

Leaving me heart-sick.

Years of wrong cloud moments of right

Causing faltering steps.

Lurking there in the dark are more traps

And still I am alone.

The sidewalk stretches ahead, tho’ shorter,

And I seek the light.

One shadow is love, another is only lust,

And I am desperate.

The edge of the walk is close to my fear

And my will is weak.

If I stumble, and I am sure that I will,

The gutter will catch me.

That dark sidewalk horrifies my very soul,

But choices put me on it.

Mike Mullins, 10/26/08