We reach a corner peeking (shy)

around to see beyond.

We catch collages: joys and pains,

children sick and soccer games

ambulances racing through the rain.

And long line stands, financial strains,

a mix of dull and great, and unplanned sames.

We pull back shuddering, prefer to stay in now.

But looking back just seems to be too tame

and all around the air is tense and stale;

for now can never bear the weight of then.

so timidly, like newborn chicks

we step… around the edge

and merge again with life.