A traveler weary from mileage
Borne by raw, aching feet
By blistered heals and battered toes
Fearing ravaged feet will weight no longer hold

A traveler moving slowly
Each step cries out defeat
First one step, then another
Two weepy steps behind
Too many left

A traveler fearing herself unable
To keep on trekking
Feet shedding bloody tears
And skin
When at last she stops
Will boots hold naught but pulp and bone?

A traveler unaware must then be told
Of all that escapes her vision
And shapes her soul

The strength to carry on resides not within her feet
Her heart propels her forward
Feeds her body's motion
Layers of skin incur resurrection
Strengthened by all they have endured

At journey's end, feet unsheathed
Have been heart-tempered
Able to bear even greater weight
Yet, free to choose a friendlier path
To a happier place, with a lighter load