Poem:A Stone Walkway

A stone wall with a dusty ferrous gate
A third of the way from the northeastern corner,
Beside the path that he walks along with uncertain gait,
Leads into a courtyard of dubious upkeep.
Rotten fruits attract meandering scroungers,
Flies and animals who feed on rancid carrion.
The prowling of foul creatures interrupted only by
The decay of withering shrubbery from a time before.
A quaint stone walkway, pleasing to behold
At one time, now in disuse.
Does the man venture along this walkway that’s nigh,
Giving it the meekest, most meager shine once more?
Or save himself from risky venture and walk outside
The courtyard, along dirt roads familiar and wide?