Barefoot

The previous nights storm continues to provide me discomfort.

Not enough to wake me multiple times during the night,

She abandons a gift of

A pile of mud and leaves besides the door of the car

For me to traverse

The cold morning breeze shivers my body,

Still pajamad

I place a sweater on top

But still

The frozen feet shiver

A friend’s home

A place of solace and comfort each Tuesday night

Today welcomes me

With pines

Sticks

Jabs

To soft, tender skin

Ceramic tile of bathroom floor

The joy of reading the newspaper

My place of relaxation

Instead

I scan the floor for germ-filled drops

Inside the cosiness of home

I write, make calls, type

Body dressed snug

Toes wiggle in desperation for warmth

Longing for socks

Entering restaurant and scanning menu

Eyes look at me

Well not me

But my

My barefeet

I am uncomfortable

I am cold

I am in pain

I am exposed

My humanity is exposed

Through my

Bare Feet

But this was just two days

And I drove and was inside a lot

But this

This vulnerability

Is Yours,

My child,

Everyday

You walk dirt tracks of

Pain

Knowing nothing

Of anything else

Empathy is not enough.




www.toms.com