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Barefoot, in two movements

by Lacy D Phillips

There were rocks underfoot
and broken gemstones—
razor-sharp, cutting, brilliant—
but I withstand the urge to cringe
at every faltering footfall.
I run, sprinting,
tearing calloused skin
like tissue gift wrapping as I go.
But it is no matter, no care to me
who has a destination made real by the pain.

There are pebbles beneath
and sand that shimmers—
silvery, acerbic, luminous—
but I deny the impulse to wince
at each wavering pace.
I rush, hurriedly,
wounding healthy flesh
as easily as moth wings shred as I hasten on.
But this is no dire issue, no worry to myself
who has a purpose born of the ache.

02/21/2003

Author's Note: Written in response to criteria set as follows:
Poem should be 2 stanzas, no more than 10 lines each. First stanza using hard words and the second using soft words. Good luck and have fun!

Posted on 02/25/2003
Copyright © 2025 Lacy D Phillips

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Lori Johnson on 02/25/03 at 05:22 AM

Well done, Lacy. You have succeeded with this challenge, I believe. Catchy title to boot.

Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 02/26/03 at 02:00 AM

Evocative response to the criteria. I'd say you were very successful!

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