Survival Poem by Rob Knetsch

crawling on all fours
licking the heels and soles
saw countless shoes
and boots and bare feet
up close so close

nodding all the time
confirming the powers
and the wisdom of the words
even when i don't know
even when i know a lie

kneeling while it hurts
bones sore and muscles stiff
while eyes down counting tiles
concentrating on the balance
trying not to fall sideways

waiting for a command
executing at my best
to avoid pain and more pain
forcing an empty mind
day by day every day

'survival' © 2013 Rob Knetsch