After “On Quiet Feet” by Nikki Grimes

by James Horner

Thunk thunk thunk
I stopped my heavy gait
strode heel-to-toe
lightened my load.

My friends noticed
how silently I moved
as if sliding on mud
instead of being sucked under.

Dog walkers noticed
the weight of the world gone
a relieved smile on my face
Coco Puff leading.

And the more I walked
the more I realized–
On quiet feet
I am silent as a shadow.