Stairs

Tripped—missed a step there

On the stairs at my childhood home.

I swear that, once, I could do it

Both ways with my eyes closed

Because I knew the rhythm so well.

Could hum you the note, repeating:

The dum dum dum dum dum of feet—

Mine—drumming on the carpet.

Now the tune has changed, all tentative,

As I look down, my hand on the rail,

Trying to match my stride with the memory.