it's a crack in the pavement

it's cigarettes at a gas station

it's a steel sewer grate

it's a painted curb shiny with rain

it's stepping stones across a dirt strip

it's a bus stop with no one at it

it's a light that's slow to change

it's the hiss of rubber
on a wet highway

it's a dog on a leash

it's the smell of grease

it's a car for sale, $200

it's a porn shop patron
looking over his shoulder

it's a motel sign
bright in the grey

it's an empty wallet
and no spare change

it's 10,000 words
thought in a circle

it's the steps you take
to grind them under