the streets

you walk the streets without a thought about it.
the same streets where you grew up;
the streets you took your first steps,
the streets you spoke your first word,
“momma”.
the streets your school was on,
where you had your first crush,
and your first heartbreak.
the streets you learned about life,
the good and the bad.
you learned about people, drugs and alcohol.
the playground you once played on is abandoned,
teenagers go there to smoke and drink.
you no longer see the cute white house with the red front door,
but the couple in the window fighting.
you see your kindergarten best friend walking their kid in a stroller.
you see your favorite elderly neighbor,
who always gave you sweets before dinner die of old age.
you no longer see the same way you did when you were a kid.
the tree you used to climb has been cut down after a drunk driver hit it.
the city pool is no longer filled with joy and happiness,
but tears and bloodstained clothes.
you try to see the streets the way you used to
but you’ve seen life.
the streets will never be the same.