Another Path

Feet, blistered and worn

The path I walk, similarly

Afraid to walk further

I step gingerly

In hopes to not anger 

The jagged rocks below

After awhile

Callouses form

Crusting my foot to no feeling

I feel too old to only be realizing now

Soft grass is just beside 

Why have I remained here

On this rocky terrain

That cuts into my skin

And makes me bleed

Or forms a coating on my feet

So rough it does not feel

Maybe the fear of onlookers

“She isn’t tough”

“Her feet are too soft”

“She couldn’t persevere”

“She is too wild”

But now I know 

Where there is lushness, wildness, and fullness

And where my feet can heal

Where they can be fleshy and full

Feeling all that is underfoot 

May I remember

The freedom of walking my own way