stroll

the night is still on this midwestern road,
heavy fog following the sun’s evening departure,
obscuring the stars, but
wrapping me in its stillness
cool and quiet

my footsteps are muffled by the weight
of the night air
I have no place to get to, only strolling until
I feel like returning indoors.

the road is straight, but my mind wanders
and my heart runs circles around it
as though walking two inquisitive dogs,
sniffing this way and that.
first one thought, then another
a memory, an observation–
all prayers up to the God Who Sees

so I stroll awhile in the darkness,
letting tomorrow be tomorrow
and tonight, just letting myself be me.