SLAM! FINALE Round 3 - Generation Gap |
A Walk Down the Street We walk down our familiar street the one you've lived on for forty-three years and where I lived for twenty-two of them ... We are in no hurry - and I slow my steps to match your shuffling ones my hand on your arm to steady you. We talk about life and how you are feeling, about death and dying and not being ready - interspersed with you telling me about the neighbors when things get too fraught - he's a firefighter in LA - takes really good care of his lawn her husband just died - I wonder if she'll stay there now they just moved in - I hope they paint the house As we walk I imagine and remember? walking down this same street as a toddler. You held my hand, slowing down your steps to match my baby ones, and pointed out trees and birds and cars - that's a blue jay see him up there on that wire? smell the jasmine? it's my favorite what color is that car? blue, right, very good! We walked together when I was a child parent and child and now things are reversed and we walk again child and parent but this time you are the one who needs my hand my help. And as much as I am honored by your letting me - I have to admit I liked it better the other way. |