SIDEWALK MEMORIES

POETRY BY JESSICA BOUNDS

I cannot describe to you what pain is Because, in truth, I have never felt it. The closest I have come is a scrape on my knee From when I still thought the world held me in its arms Safe from any danger.

From when I would run and play, Not caring about what may linger in the grass Or wondering why I shouldn’t dance in the rain. When I would spend hours out in the storm, Returning soaked to the bone.

My father would make me change in the garage. He didn’t want me tracking mud all over the house. So I would strip the clothes from my body, Feeling as if it were my skin, And leave it in a pile on the floor to soak in its joy.