Grease stains mark the folded paper
Eighty-two ink lines run deep
Porch boards creak beneath boot soles
Bayou breathes while city sleeps
Counting steps on paper rivers
Footfalls match the grid design Louisiana dusk delivers
Memory in borrowed time
The regulars shout eggs and bacon
Coffee rings stain the route I'm takin'
Morning rush starts early wakin'
Bayou dusk beats eggs I'm bakin'
Counting steps on paper rivers
Footfalls match the grid design
Louisiana dusk delivers
Memory in borrowed time
Grill hums low beneath the fluorescent
Diner glow feels incandescent
Shrimp boats blink through window panes
Night shift ends when morning wanes
Counting steps on paper rivers
Footfalls match the grid design
Louisiana dusk delivers
Memory in borrowed time
Paper wears thin at transfer points
Each crease a year I've counted out
Where uptown meets the gulf tide flow
Distance measured heel to toe now
Fold it neat beside the register
Eighty-two becomes my teacher
Porch light swings on rusted chain
Subway map fades out again
Counting steps on paper rivers
Footfalls match the grid design
Louisiana dusk delivers
Memory in borrowed time
Counting steps on paper rivers
Footfalls match the grid design
Map folds small in calloused palm
Bayou hums the final bar
