The wind is harsh and bitter.

Your legs are sore from yesterday’s run

Or last night’s one night stand- you’re not sure.

You cross your arms to keep some heat near your chest.

Ahead you can see a neon light.

The sidewalk begins to fade into a series of cracks and craters. You look down and a tear creeps down your cheek.

You’re not sad, but the wind has demanded every drop of fluid from your eyes.

Both dried and teary, your eyes cannot function

You begin to see only in a fog.

The cars never cease to drive past.

Even with your mind screaming, there is the ever-present, though muffled, sound of a car whizzing past you.

Last night’s rain leaves small puddles scattered throughout the maze of cracks and craters of the city sidewalk.

The road did not escape the same treatment.

As each car passes, your left leg experiences a cold splash of muddy rainwater.

Still you walk on, thinking.

Your mind is everywhere and nowhere.

You begin to walk past the tobacco store that lies across the street.

A slight twinge of tobacco stains the air that previously smelled of rain and gasoline.

As you are looking over, you stumble on a crack, yet still continue to walk on in a trance.

Nothing phases you as you observe without reaction.

You look back down to the ground.

Your shoes come into view, alternating left then right.

It seems so simple, but you begin to think about it and with the concentration, begin to stumble even more.

You chuckle to yourself because there is no one beside you to experience your embarrassment.

Your chuckle becomes a sigh as you realize

You are on another walk alone.