When the Streets Forgot My Name

Once I walked
Like I belonged.
Each step proud,
Each breath strong.

The city knew
The sound I made,
The echo sharp
Across the blade.

Of time and rust
And smoky skies,
Of hurried feet
And fading ties.

The lamplight blinked
When I passed by.
The crows would pause,
The dogs would sigh.

But now I move
Through ghostly air,
No glance, no nod
Just silent stare.

My name once roared
From shopfront signs,
Now dust has drowned
Their weathered lines.

I tap the stone,
It does not ring.
The ground forgets
It once had spring.

I see a child
Run past with glee.
A shadow laughs
But it's not me.

I try to speak,
My voice too dry.
A whisper lost
Beneath the sky.

I wait for dawn
But dusk repeats.
My echo’s gone
From all the streets.

So tell the world
Before I go:
A name erased
Still leaves a glow.