first road

a long time since
walking down that old dirt road
that ran behind our house
surrounded by familiar woods
familiar homes
of familiar neighbors i once knew
i traveled that road a thousand times barefoot
or in shoes
on a trike
on a bike
it was the first road i ever ventured alone
i've been down many roads since cliff road
dirt and paved
near and away
i can tell you stories
but probably none more telling than your own
an old pilgrim these days
no longer innocent
just forgiven
no longer a child
but often feel like i am
always going down new unfamiliar roads
long time from home
long time from you