"Only A Blister" By Sara Zaleski

After I posted Sara's last poem, GeekHiker suggested in a comment that she write one that mentions the walker's nemesis: the blister.  She went to work and this week she provided a poem that includes mention of a blister.  This was very appropriate since on Friday, after a 13.83 mile (22.26 km) hike, I returned home with a new blister on the ball of my right foot, a result of not wearing the cushions I mentioned a few posts ago.

So, without further ado, I present to you "Only a Blister":

Only a Blister

by Sara Zaleski

My heart thrives on the crisp morning breeze,

The starless sky that stretches 

Between the setting moon and awakening sun.

With each step I am further entranced

As my feet crackle over the ground

Hidden under miles of botanical life.

Yet, my stride lengthens as my mind tries to forget

The pain that has left me stricken,

Sent a shockwave through my veins.

Every moment of shifting weight,

This unmerciful dagger shoots further in

Just as a pin seems to thrust from within me.

It is as if the world herself is plotting my destruction.

I can no longer contain my vengeance

I am prepared to take down this raging nemesis,

This enemy that seems to seek my demise.

But when I gather my breath to fight,

To bring upon the earth peril unlike any other,

I look down and realize

That it is only a blister.