Walk

Location

I think I'd like to walk.

Until my feet fall off at the ankles

and my calves fall off at the knees

and my thighs fall off at the hips

I want to walk.

Until my pelvis falls off

at whatever joins a pelvis

to the rest of the body

I want to walk.

Until my ribs

and my spine

and my arms

and my skull fall to the ground

I want to walk.

Until the last human shreds of myself

lay displaced on the sidewalk

I want to walk.

Until my self destruction no longer comes in the noises of explosions

and the pain of self inflicted wounds

I want to walk.

Until the only noise you hear from the girl

are the small thuds of bone hitting the pavement

I want to walk.

Guide that inspired this poem: 

Comments

Markus

Intruiging. You convey a strong sense of emotional and physical pain through your words. It is a strange allusion to various limbs falling off from your desire to walk. I am not sure I quite understand. It is quite an ambiguous poem in that sense. There is not sufficient information (in my personal opinion, if not my ignorance) to provide a sound understanding of this poem. Could you elaborate on this please?

rebecca.herwood

To Markus--

This poem was written in the beginning of my Freshman year of college. I used to take walks with this kid all over campus every night. After he left I lost that connection and I was still going through a lot of turbulent times in my personal life so I wanted to go for a walk but at the time I had no one to do it with, no one to talk to. I wanted to feel better.

Three years later I have learned to walk alone. I don't have to rely on a boy. However now I get harassed on the streets and my walking hurts my feet so this (again) becomes a poem about wanting to walk but in a safe place, quietly. Not having to speak.

I want to walk until I get better. Until I feel okay again, and I don't always have that ability.

rebecca.herwood

 

 

Additional Resources

Get AI Feedback on your poem

Interested in feedback on your poem? Try our AI Feedback tool.
 

 

If You Need Support

If you ever need help or support, we trust CrisisTextline.org for people dealing with depression. Text HOME to 741741