We walk till our soles protests
at every stop-sign
and crossing place.
Like stitch splitting
when you slow for breath,
the burn thickens.
We are far from home,
further still from familiar,
so we cannot pause
on this side-street,
or linger on a corner place
as we might do elsewhere.
We can stretch our steps,
gnash the concrete paves
into cobbles
and pathways.
Break highways down
to track.
Trip
over the ache beneath
onto older ground.
Learn how to read
reassurances
of new landmarks.
Wander until this is home.
Carol J Forrester 
I like this as it reminds me of walks I have taken in unknown cities where distances are always longer than we expect…
So evocative — from the very beginning with those protesting soles to the reassurances brought about by a landmark, this poem speaks to me, both in its physicality as well as its metaphorical reach. The last line captures that hope and wish of reaching there beautifully.
Evocative sensory experience that you have woven here. I echo what Anmol says about the aching feet in the beginning to gaining reassurance with a recognized landmark.
I love the way this poem just strides out, Carol, pushes itself and the reader until ‘the burn thickens’. You’ve used sound to great effect in the lines:
‘gnash the concrete paves
into cobbles
and pathways.
Break highways down
to track’
and I like the idea of learning ‘how to read reassurances of new landmarks’. I might have to if we move.
I was hooked, like Kim with the/gnash the concrete paves into cobbles/. There was a nice sense of dread, drenched in the unknown, with a palpable sigh when your own neighborhood appeared.
I love how the last line added an extra layer of meaning, well done!
This is incredibly evocative! ❤️ I especially love the way you incorporate sounds in “gnash the concrete paves into cobbles and pathways. Break highways down to track.” 🙂
OK, so this is obviously a walk through a city, but when I got to the end I realised it’s also about building a relationship – the tentative start, the building of familiarity, joint memories.
I like it a lot.
You’ve captured the uneasiness of unfamiliar places. (K)
This reminded me of the time I lost myself in Paris while looking for the American Express office! You’ve masterfully placed me within both your journey and mine!