Petals

I walk a path of petals

While parallel

They, barefoot, tread on stone.

The only trait in common

Is that neither of us

Walks our path alone.

On a soft leaf

There's no consequence for stumbling.

No blood is spilled as recompense for time.

Stone, though, is unforgiving.

Steps forward punished

As if they were a crime.

My path is laid before me

And we chit and chat

Of this and that

As petal bearers adorn

Where my steps should fall.

While the stone sisters

Lift each other's heads,

Dry each other's tears,

And continue forward;

As pain does not diminish when you stall.

I ask my ladies,

"Shall we share my petals to their path?"

They reply,

"What of those who follow in your steps?

How bear their feet if luxuries you waste?

So generous of you to consider but come,

Let's lead ahead of them in haste."

As time is tested, as sure as the petal path

before me is leading,

I think of the sisters.

Stronger, forging, creating their way,

And I remember the excuse of my luxury

Not to be wasted

On feet already bleeding.