About a bridge

It’s just a bridge, right?

Utilitarian

Pedestrian by nature

But so full of possibilities

That first step, I was wiggly with excitement

I wanted to run across (as-if, with these feet)

But resisted (it’s still a construction site after all)

So I strolled

And took in the view

Halfway, you can follow an entire length of river

Sparkling and dancing like it’s happy to be seen again

Before it curves East, as it has for hundreds of years

Hey! There’s a guy fishing

You marvel at how massive yet comfortable Labatt’s is

Solid old yellow bricks

Work yard full of modern trucks

Stop, and throw your tears over the side

(No one can see you when you’re facing the river)

Get an eye-full of garbage on the bank

Where the trees haven’t filled in yet

Look with anticipation at the crumbling bike path

And hope it’ll be new soon, too

Ahead, there’s home

Behind me, downtown

Still just a bridge

But each step across feels like a little more freedom