Tow-Path Every step we take could have been a step in another direction. This time we choose to go to the canal. By the time we reach it the day decides to stop following us around. While we are picking our way down, watching our feet, the park packs up, the city moves a few miles away. Children's voices are balloons released to open sky. Behind us footsteps fade, streets turn into water. Leaf by leaf, the day grows smaller. Whoever we are now, this has been bequeathed to us. Every other claimant has stepped aside. Our steps the only steps. The last finger of light points out landmarks we do not recognise. Still, between the cobbled banks, cradled by bare branches. we know we will be safe. Now, even the unknown path will tow us home.