The boots travelled in too small,
It felt like my feet were held hostage
In a vice grip of leather and lace.
I now have a taste what it must to be
a day in my father’s shoes.
The work was constant,
the foot pain throbbing
and the inside rubbing raw my inner heel…
Inescapable but tolerable.
Now an old familiar leg pain has visited me.
But it’s not painful, it’s pleasurable.
Reminiscent of the cold comfort
where I found my inner strength.
Where I learnt to suffer in silence,
without making my burdens
other people’s problems.
I am still myself,
I can still laugh and smile
Because it’s all mental.
Universal mind over all matter.