today
in the scalding sun
a friend came toe to toe
with my line in the sand

sinking in lost footing
i turned to the great podiatrist
to find my way

there I discovered
a staggering
lamp unto my feet
and light onto my eyes

i moved my friend to a fallen log
and offered a shade-filled invitation
take a load off your feet

as I began washing those beautiful bunioned
planters-wart adorned feet
i asked
where did you get all your dust
and
where are your legs taking you

thanks to that heart-to-heart break
from the baking sand

we cooled our dug-in heels
got our feet wet
strengthened our sea legs
and basked head to toe
in refreshing peace-maker-waters
and dripping with open pores
floated our points of view afresh

                                                                 Dona Palmer 6/30/2022