if on mobile, rotate for intended formatting
what is it like
iced lemonade in a glass cup the sun beat down
tiny pink umbrella cast no shadow no solace
chemicals, chlorine scorched our lungs
we splashed the concrete, our feet so hot
if we had taken precaution, time, a second
checked degrees, the burns
our feelings, our bodies our skin, hot tar
the signs screamed, ignored
we should not walk on hot coals,
too late, the burns paint red
our soles hurt, sting, cry,
lather aloe vera until the pain numbs-
then step, we have no choice
even if it hurts, it’s necessary
the burns form blisters, bruises
thick calluses offer protection
to trod through the briar patch
iced lemonade in a glass cup the sun beat down
tiny pink umbrella cast no shadow no solace
chemicals, chlorine scorched our lungs
we splashed the concrete, our feet so hot
if we had taken precaution, time, a second
checked degrees, the burns
our feelings, our bodies our skin, hot tar
the signs screamed, ignored
we should not walk on hot coals,
too late, the burns paint red
our soles hurt, sting, cry,
lather aloe vera until the pain numbs-
then step, we have no choice
even if it hurts, it’s necessary
the burns form blisters, bruises
thick calluses offer protection
to trod through the briar patch
Kaleb Tutt is a writer of the weird and strange. As a narrative designer, he also loves writing dialogue and quests for video games. Get in touch with him on Twitter @KalebT96.