TO THE YOUNG

Illustration by ADAM.

we share the sidewalk.

i approach. you approach.

you ignore my lined face.

i stare openly smiling.

you swerve to avoid me.

i stay to one side politely.

we share the earth.

i am weeding. you are reaping.

i know my hands will be soil.

yours are choosing, picking.

my weeding is intentional. 

your consuming is careless.

we share the same pathway.

i am far ahead. you are far behind.

our destination is the same end.

i understand i must go there.

you will diverge but must return.

much is lost in walking apart.