barefoot    by  Lorraine McGuigan

some days the woman walks as if the earth is seeded
with spikes of glass.

other days she walks as though someone is dragging
the grassy rug from under her.

but when she was very young she walked the days
without thinking.

today the woman lifts one foot after the other and
planting them firmly on the ground feels earth rise

just a little as if to welcome her. she has dreamed
that standing still is also dangerous.

suddenly the bright bloom of blood between her feet.

© Lorraine McGuigan