The Weary Road Begins

I once saw a dead man carted around a city like a trophy

I watched from a balcony and breathed in the salty air of an ocean

To my right was a stone salutation to the heavens

And to my left was a dead body

I remembering wandering the streets of that ancient city

Ducking into darkened doorways

And winding my way through crooked alleys

Bombarded by sounds and smells

Smiles and frowns

I did not belong

I could not blend into the never ending sea of people

But somehow my lack of belonging

And my air of absolute wonder

Fit in perfectly with
 the murky
 tapestry

of that
 ancient
 city