Traffic Jam of Fear

Fear of crossing the street,
the reckless cars rushing rashly,
impatient restlessness
ready to snuff out
the trembling trembling trembling
lamplight hidden
behind cupped hands.

So many vehicles, so many people
racing toward their own addresses.
No one looks back
when I walk the path alone.

But then with many feet
walking the path together,
when one by one we joined
the multitude's procession,
then claiming the whole road
we ourselves become the path,
step by step in formation.

Traffic's bloodshot warning glare
yields to the frightened jam of cars,
and on both sides startled eyes
keep looking back at us.