White lines glowed on evening ground
Engines hummed their urgent sound
Signal blinked in amber hue
Still the feet refused to move
Breath held steady in the chest
Stillness claimed its quiet nest
Cars raced past with iron tone
You stood present and alone
Soon the light would grant the stride
Yet no rush reclaimed the pride
Moment lingered like a vow
Time bent soft around the now
Healing is a single pause
Not retreat not sudden cause
Crosswalks teach the sacred stay—
Peace begins in stolen day