THE EMPTY STAIRCASE

I close my eyes to sleep,

and what do I see?

The staircase from my past.

The stairs from my

elementary school.

I can hear the children’s voices

as they climb the stairs to classes.

I hear their shouts as they descend

to the basement for lunch.

I can’t see their faces.

I only hear their voices.

The staircase waits for me.

If I return,

will my dream go away?

I drift back to sleep and

dream of the empty staircase.