I Walk at Night

-------I Walk at Night-------

The Oldsmobile lumbered 

over the edge of its driveway 

like a fat caterpillar.

Before it turned, 

back-heavy and wabbly, 

down into its hole for the night,

it stood still but shaking and stared at me,

with its yellow eyes,

like I were a hungry crow.

I slowed my step 

and put out my hands 

to show the old beast I was just a boy.

I could hear its body shiver

as it considered my gesture;

to trust.

A second, 

then satisfied,

it turned over the edge 

and safely into home.

As I walked through the dim, red smoke 

behind its passing, 

I felt like I was leaving a dream.

I walk at night 

because in darkness is a world

that I cannot see in the light.

-------