Blistered Paws

The skin is rubbed there,
raw and red,

a rash decision
vain,
ill advised

has led to this.

Pain can be ignored
only for so long
until we carry
physical reminders

wounds
that heal
but never go away.

I walked home,
barefoot

fearing less the broken glass and bitumen

than the scars I might be left with.

My Arrival

Heels to pavement announce my arrival.

Singing out sharply,

'I am coming,
I am here. '

Each step imbued with importance,
the silence of sneakers
left behind.

Singing out proudly,

'I am coming,
I am here.'