24 yards

And so I walked in a haze 

Light like the wind,

Heavy as a wave. 

I walked by everything that preceded me 

Along everything that followed. 

I traced every path, graced every ground 

Where I left a trail, an unapologetic mark 

Places I didn’t have reason to go to 

Faces I shouldn’t have held so close. 

I revisited every grave I sealed shut 

Ripping up every bone from the gravel. 

And just like that, I was faced with the fabric of my existence –

Woven indelicately by me, by my destiny 

I had questions but I was immune too long, had scars that never hurt. Not once.

I had an ignition to keep walking 

But my heart pounded heavily. 

My mind directed me, yet again 

To chase a worthier world 

One that already had its home and heath in my head, that which I never found my welcome in. 

And so I walked on, 

For every step I found caution, 

Every aspiration was deemed a mistake. 

But while the most pristine, carefully crafted drops of confidence were set ablaze, I treaded backwards. 

Away from the merrier glow of dawn towards the grimmer, albeit inviting twilight. 

I treaded down that road to don the same fabric 

That I had the privilege to sew.

A design I had toiled to birth, still gleaming in the lustre of my sweat 

Vibrant in the blood of my inexperienced hands. 

And now I walk back, bringing with me my burden. A burden of love, an upholstery of truths 

A repository of my identity. 

And I carry with me nothing else but a dare –

To my mind, to my demons 

To trample over us. 

I give you all my 24 yards 

Tear it if you can.