twenty minutes to walk to work
I pass by the skyscraper on the corner
not quite my destination just yet
no cloud in the sky
hoping my day is also clear

skipping the storefront
I head straight for the back
greet some coworkers
exchange a good banter

I pull my hair back
at the last possible moment
preferring the freedom
of letting it all down

sourdough fills my nostrils
no complaints on that
as I clock in for another day
selling food to afford food

I spread my stuff
under the till
needing some comforts
to be within reach
as I gulp in
and let out a deep sigh

this is the now

(Poem 11 of Half Marathon)