I walked across Michigan Ave bridge
chatting with my music professor
dropping him at the Lake Street el
I walked alone down Dearborn Street
passing darkened sandwich shops
watching nicer restaurants empty
I walked fast to avoid collision
dancing away from drunken diners
nodding at stray busboys, waiters
I walked past a bright Goodman lobby
mingling patrons at intermission
spilling into my path to smoke
I walked perpendicular to a stream
trickling current of late commuters
bubbling students from Loop campuses
I walked with particular pleasure
skimming Picasso in Daley Plaza
skirting Calder at the post office
I walked with little care for my steps
craning up to glimpse goddess Ceres
shining bright on CBOT peak
I walked on mostly air and tiptoe
avoiding muddy, melting snow pools
reflecting headlights off of Congress
I walked lightly down the final block
humming off-key Mozart memories
feeling warmed by fleeting genius
I walked proudly as home grew near
watching a young man cross the street
wondering as he reached into a puddle
then he turned and spit on me
I walked humbly to my door
pondering the wisdom of the city
reminding us when we put on airs
that we are all just human