Those years of my life
looked much like
time-lapse city photography,
cars rushing by
just a blur
of neon lines,
daylight turning to nighttime
in the blink of an eye.
Without warning,
the scene slows
to the speed of life.
The cars regain lines,
headlights, and taillights.
They freeze at the stop lines.
I can see the people within
and they are very much alive.
They are talking and laughing,
playing with the radio dial
and checking on kids in the backseat.
There are artists on street corners
selling their work or singing their songs.
There are smiles on their faces
though these are tough times,
and passersby appreciate their gifts,
leaving a token of thanks
and a well-wish.
No longer time-lapse,
not even photography,
life is now real and tangible for me.
I move from observing
to being a part of the scene.
It's not a game—not a race.
I have a say. I have a place.