Rebel Tread

To my feet, my wheels, my companions (sometimes) in heels

Step, stride, slide–

these street feet

covered in rubber

careen over curbs

make cars swerve

and skid to a stop.

But my feet

these feet

are not sorry.

They do not wave

an apology.

Climb, stretch, stomp–

these dusty feet

conquer.

Covered in thick tread

these feet are ahead

Of my mind

not intertwined with worries.

These feet have

courage and do not

Stop.

Dance, skip, glide—

These delicate feet

strapped into pointy heels

their power disguised.

Eyes ponder and wonder

But these feet,

These feet

Slick and shiny

click and clack

the floor the only

one

to answer back.

Inspired by Lucille Clifton's, “homage to my hips”