the feet are tired
shuffling along rough roads
streets that have not been repaved
in a long time.

the body carrying the memories
of a childhood too long ago
of teen years that are hidden in history books
of sex drugs and rock and roll twenties
of adult foolishness
that you can't pick out of a police line-up.

music ripples through the memory neurons
of whatever is left
and small patches of sunlight 
are visible
and you realize 
your life has not been 
all darkness and shadows and holes
in the ground. 

music 
the kind that gets your shoulders moving
your toes snapping
your head tossing back
your arms clearing room around you
cause it's in your blood
and soul
and deep down somewhere
you realize 
your life has not been 
all darkness and shadows and holes
in the ground. 

visiting the gallery of your life
images on the wall
that speak to you
every second of your life
every person you ever met
every action you've ever taken
every decision you've ever made
every thought you've ever had.

now you are here
it's all that matters
as you put your hands 
in your pockets
and shuffle along rough roads
streets that have not been repaved
in a long time
and continue 
the long walks on
this time smiling. 

antonio pedro ruiz january 22, 2010