The Repeater

This time, Sam chooses to turn right and starts walking.

The same yellow taxi passes by him again on the same city street.

The lady wearing the red hat is sashaying down the sidewalk, just like always.

     How many times has he screamed at her?

     “Which door?” he shouts at her sometimes.

     Once, terrified, she ran into the street and was hit by a car.

     Her hat was in the gutter, like a dead animal.

This time, Sam just smiles at her as she passes him.

Now, here comes the man with the fancy tie, again.

     Once, Sam wept at the man’s feet, clutching at his expensive shoes.

     “Which one is it?” he had shrieked at him through his tears.

     But, the man only backed away – his hands raised.

This time, Sam only nods at him as he journeys by.

He walks until his feet hurt,

     until he can no longer see the tall buildings,

          or hear the traffic noises,

               until he finds a new door,

                    and opens it.

This time, it will be different.