each step

each walk at night brings
me back
in a circle to home.

I find solace in the dark,
the new chill
of autumn
as the trees unfold

I walk by the church and stop
to sit
for a moment
near the statue of Mary.
the candles lit.
a light upon her blue
white robe.

then move on.
I prayed here once or twice
in joy, before the fear
took hold.

around to the small chapel.
locked tight.
closed.

towards home, up the path near
the road.
through the lane of trees
and homes with most lights off
at this late
hour.

I know the turns by heart
after fifteen years of this same
walk.

taking it all in stride.
what comes, what goes.
the friendships and loves
remembered in each step,
in each breath I blow.