I Walked Home the Long Way

I walked home the long way because I knew the sky would not be angry at me.

The moon knew what it felt like to be so tired you couldn’t even think

Of going to bed.

I walked home the long way because the ferns didn’t mind when I vomited in them.

They curled delicately around my gift, and the eldest among them turned his green face

Up at me in thanks.

I walked home the long way because the road needed a friend that night.

He lamented that nobody talked to him. They only wore out their shoes in vapid silence,

But I walked barefoot.

I walked home the long way because the wind would hold me,

And the trees would shade me from the cold streetlights,

And the water off to the sides would sing me old songs,

And the night would love me how I always wanted people to,

And I wouldn’t even have to ask.