Bare Feet
For all who need a lift when their feet hurt.
This day. September 10th in 1960, is the day marathon runner Abebe Bikila completed and won the Olympic marathon in Rome--with no shoes.
Each step we take--each footfall tells a tale of struggle and hope. This journey is one of bare feet--one of resilience. And each of us has a pair.
We can do it--with bare feet.
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Bare feet
Tread on vacant lanes
Rough.
Too wide
Asphalt.
Searing.
Bare
feet
Open
Cut
Hardened
Yet hesitant
Poised to run.
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Lines
On Skin
Deepen.
My heartbeat quickens
Then slows.
Spirit wills
Yet wails.
Finish line
Near yet
A blur sketch
Distant.
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Cuts
On skin
Fester.
My mind filled
But blackened
Dark.
Painful steps
Callused.
Trod by unseen souls.
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Line
Crossed.
Victory
Not sweet
But sought.
Fought.
Bare feet.
Cut
But formed.
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A road
Run
As one
Who will come.
The bare feet
Owned by
All.
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For Mikeydred's Song of Seven Challenge
About the Creator
Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin
Hi, i am an English Language teacher cum freelance writer with a taste for pets, prose and poetry. When I'm not writing my heart out, I'm playing with my three dogs, Zorra, Cloudy and Snowball.
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Comments (6)
Beautiful and powerful poem. Powerful feet Abebe has .
Oh wow, Abebe is so dedicated. Saluuuuuute 🫡🫡🫡 Loved your poem!
His story is amazing
Such an inspiring story of determination and a well-written tribute to this runner.
Wow, I didn't know about this at all! Can't even imagine the pain he went through and admire his determination to win, endurance and will.
What an inspiring tribute. The imagery of bare feet carrying both pain and strength is so moving. 👣