On The Streets Of Westerville

The walks were what she had missed the most
after her son was born.
No longer the centerpiece of her day,
they were used for utility.
A trip to and from the store
and nothing more.
She could not leave him alone too much.

But now that he’s older, things changed.
She gets her walks again, but they still aren’t for her pleasure.
They’re the only way to get him to sleep.
Around the block, down in to town.
All day she works so that he may rest in his stroller.

She’s been past the faded plaque enough times to know
the words weather and time conspired against
were “Municipal Building.”
She knows that down a certain street is a store
proclaiming its collection of games and gifts.
She once thought to buy something for her son
but the stop broke his slumber.
He’ll do without.