Not Just a Walking Head

Cold wind meeting left cheek

interrupts train of thoughts

and takes me out of mind.

Walking, walking, I feel

the burn of muscles working hard

and one tear sliding down

from corner of right eye.

Breath comes in also -

chest rising and falling,

rising and falling

in between steps.

Oh! and the roaring sound

of truck, already gone.

Inside the mouth, 

the lingering taste 

of early morning tea, still.

And then up, seeing sky,

a glimpse of sun trying to pierce

through grey wintery clouds.

Early morning California winter sky

Nose tickled happy 

with gasoline smell from leaf blower

and sound again, overpowering that one. 

Gladness of walking, fully awakened.