The Walk

ON THE WALK I am alone.
The child wrapped around my belly
Has simple needs, satisfied for now.
The phone at my belt, silent.
Trees, sky, pavement, air lack ego.
Solitude, such as I cannot know when
Tugged by laptop, Net, print,
Four-year-old, bills, true love,
Telephone calls, continuing education,
Media.

Before it can ring, I turn the phone off.
Before it can end, I turn my walk
Away from its destination.
Before the cacophony,
Another block of me.