As kids we knew that time
wasn’t all that important,
it was a concept of little meaning
except that with which we imbued it
and all of our senses could
do things we never imagine.
But now, at my age, time
has taken on new meaning
as it compresses, and
seasons are marked by
barely perceptible changes
in temperature and humidity.
The factories along the river
are mostly shuttered, the noise
of trucks and cars can drown
the raging waters, but
with today’s traffic you
do not dare close your eyes
even for a single moment.