pedal

by Nicholas De Marino

i kick up dust

          like a knight

weaving the chessboard

          spurred mid-tour

down & over—

          thundering terror

trampling petals

          barefoot with sandals

greek roots

          roman rages

down & over—

          varicose terror

a child of standing

          neither pod nor leaf

i pedal as

          jackboots rain

done & over—

          feral terror

down

          they

go

          always

down & over—

          terrible terrible feet

Nicholas De Marino is a neurodivergent writer and poet. He founded 5enses and is a foofaraw columnist and Codex member. He's got several writing credits, degrees, and accolades that have nothing to do with cats. Plus, some that do. Read more at nicholasdemarino.blogspot.com.