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A recorded reading of “Until the Crossing Moves”. If the player does not load, use the original audio source.
The road is empty. The red figure stays lit. I press the button with one knuckle, then my whole hand, as if size could persuade it. A bottle rolls once in the gutter and tips against the drain. The signal changes. I check the lane both ways. My shoe hangs over the kerb for the length of one breath. Then pavement gives way to pavement. On the far side I rub my wrist where the watch caught my sleeve.
Lyrics
Red at the Crossing Red at the crossing. No car either way. I jab the metal button. It sinks. The red won’t change. A bottle by the gutter Rolls half a turn and waits. I press it with my knuckle. I press it with my palm. Come on, let me over. There's nobody on the road. Come on, let me over. I've got somewhere to go. A plaster peels from the button. I keep my hand away. The red is in my glasses. I tilt my head. It stays. I pull my sleeve down harder. It catches on my watch. Come on, let me over. There's nobody on the road. Come on, let me over. I've got somewhere to go. It changes while I'm swearing. Now green. I check both ways. My heel stays on the pavement. I lift it anyway. Come on, let me over. I've got somewhere to go. I make the other side. I pull my sleeve back down. The button over here Is pushed all the way in.
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