voting day

she stepped out the door and down the steps.

the air was warm.

the sun was bright.

across the street

and down the sidewalk

toward the church she'd driven past so many times.

the leaves crunching beneath her red shoes

she walked briskly,

with purpose.

she was doing what was required

and yet it was something more.

she considered how many 

friends and strangers

were walking down how many streets,

leaves crunching,

sun shining.

today is voting day.

she stepped into the coolness of an old building,

down the red carpeted stairs

past arrows and smiling faces.

her name was crossed off the list,

her X was marked and stuffed into the ballot box.

she thinks she knows who might win.

back outside and toward home

the sun still shone

while cool drops of rain landed on her arms

and cheeks and glasses.

along with the neighbours

she looked up in confusion-

sun showers in october?

who would have thought,

she smiled to herself.

as stepped closer to home she prayed.

thank you Lord for freedom to vote.

have Your way in this neighbourhood,

in this city,

in my life.