If not…

If not...

If the path I took wasn't to the train station
It would have been a familiar trail or maybe a pilgrim's way
If the power lines weren't hanging over my head
I would have enjoyed the sight of snow falling down
If the train tracks didn't pass me in their icy silence
They would have been a road I encountered that could be walked both ways
If all the people on the train weren't desperately trying to get their own double seat
They would have gathered around a few seats and told each other the latest news

Look past the train direction sign
over there in the old house with curtains and drapes,
an old man sits by the window drinking his morning coffee
Look past the power lines
feel the silence and snow-covered hill without tracks, should I make a snow angel?
Look past the train tracks
A guide knows the ways, and I look forward to discovering something unknown
Look past the scared and impersonal people
I judge quickly and have to ask for forgiveness too often

It's good to be out walking, even if the weather is bleak
Closing my eyes, tilting my head back and letting the snow refresh me
Trying to take a different path than the one I always take
Wanting to find out that maybe people need people

If not...

Berit Haga 
2004/2023