Wet Streets

Wet streets. A field of puddles.
It’s dark. How deep are they?
Can’t tell. It’s cold.
Don’t wet your shoes.

A street lamp illuminates the path.
Deserted street. Home is in sight,
Leaves squish. Slip. Regain balance.

Continue walking.

A bus stop. A man smokes.
He stares. I nod. More streetlamps.
Late night dog walker. He nods. I nod. Dog grunts.

Closer now. Woman on the phone.
Even closer. Streetlamp flickers. Lights up gate.
Reach door. Grab keys. Use keys. Open door.
Automatic lights on. Now off. Useless.
Elevator arrives. Doors open. Beam of light. I enter.

Darkness.