Worn Soles, Holy Ground
A poetic reflection on motherhood, faith, and the sacred journey through struggle and grace.
Through gardens that never grew,
I walked —
shoes filled with the dust of prayers
never answered how I hoped,
but always how I needed.
I’ve stepped on stars
too dim for the naked eye,
yet bright enough
to light a mother’s midnight walk
between crib and cross.
My soles have memorized
the language of loss —
each blister a stanza,
each crack a hymn
only the broken can hum.
I’ve walked through storms
wearing nothing but grace,
my faith stitched into the laces
like secrets passed
from heaven to earth.
And still, I move forward —
not because the road is smooth,
but because even the wilderness
blooms beneath
a woman who keeps going.
Author’s Note
This poem was written for the Sunday Serenades prompt — “Where My Shoes Have Taken Me” — hosted by @cosmosofwriters on Instagram.
I wrote it while thinking about all the places I’ve walked lately — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Motherhood has softened and stretched me. Faith has carried me when I couldn’t carry myself. And grief — in both small and silent forms — has left its print on the path.
This piece is a reflection on that quiet journey. On how even worn soles can walk on holy ground.
If you’re a poet with an Instagram account, I truly encourage you to follow @cosmosofwriters. They offer weekly prompts that make you dig deep — and they’re building a space where poetry feels seen again.
Thank you for walking a little of this road with me.
About the Creator
Carolina Borges
I've been pouring my soul onto paper and word docs since 2014
Poet of motherhood, memory & quiet strength
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Comments (8)
This is a beautiful piece. Well done and congrats on the TS.
As others have said, its a wonderful poem. Very impressive!
This is stunning. Every line walked beside me—soft, strong, sacred. A beautiful tribute to the quiet strength of motherhood and faith. Thank you for sharing your journey so gracefully. 🌿👣
Love your inspirational poem!!! Congratulations on Top Story!!!❤️❤️💕
Great poem! Congratulations on your Top Story!
Through gardens that never grew' — sounds like a path that bears no fruit and holds no beauty. I like how you used the dust under the shoe, to connect the prayers to the person. From the ground to the head, kind of thing. Love it! Damn! 'between crib and cross' okay. Now the deep emotions, sounded it's voice. Wow this line cuts deep. 'only the broken can hum' ahhh what lovely lines. I can't help but quote them all. Every line holds so much weight, that I must read slowly. To understand and to feel the things you felt. The last stanza tells of your story, a strong woman who keeps going. I wish the best for you, a healing that would remind you that you are heard and will always be welcomed, on holy grounds. Even your authors note was written beautifully. Every word, carefully chosen. Congratulations on your Top Story 🎉🎉🎉
Congratulating on your top story...
Hi, would you mind sharing how you get the formatting for stanzas? I'm trying to put a poem on Vocal, and I can't figure out how to group lines in a stanza without full breaks between them. Yours is the only poem I see on here with good-looking stanzas!