Mantra
October 07, 2017
I have fallen
eight times
in seven years
toes tripping
over root
and
craggle
crack
unseen
on the sidewalk
on the trail
on the path
on the treadmill
spat out
left behind
in a heap
of crumpled
long limbed
intentions
and
shame
while the others
bobbing up and down
in lululemon leggings
look away
no hand offered
I collapsed
in uncontrollable
descent to the earth
as if
an angry spirit
shoved me
like the bullish girls
in the junior high playground
each and every
jarring impact
of flesh
bone
and
solid ground
demanded
two full moons
to heal
Now
My knees
jut and point
out the places
where I hit
hardest
dragging
the
rough
edges
against
my
silk
skirt
my left foot
lags
ever so slightly
as if afraid to take
an unfortunate step
My spirit
terrified
to try
Somewhere
out of nowhere
or maybe like my ruby slipper sneakers
I always had it
I find the will
and
refuse to submit
to calcify
to give up
so instead
I pull tight
laces
ID bands
and ACEs
and take one step
and then another
my spirit
chants
Strong
Stable
Present
Over
and
Over
my knees
lift
and bend
my feet
find
foothold
taking
each step
and leave
the falling
behind
"There is an art to flying, or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss" - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
OctPoWriMo 17 Day 6
Image Courtesy of http://womensrunning.competitor.com/
5 comments
Great poem, Jenny! I felt the trepidation and carefulness. I loved this image and how you expressed it:
ReplyDelete"my left foot
lags
ever so slightly
as if afraid to take
an unfortunate step
My spirit
terrified
to try"
Thank you. xoA
Thank you!
DeleteGreat poem and love the style and pattern it shows :)
ReplyDeleteSo much strength in this. It shows your resilience , Jenny :)
ReplyDeleteThank you - that means a lot!
Delete