14 14

I am not strong,
but I am proud.
I quietly bear, take pleasure, even,
in the small but steady load that I must carry.

Given more than I am built for,
my joints creak, I shift to the right--

& old angles slip into new comfy corners that
accommodate the weight of the latest parade.
(You have to let them get by!)

Beneath,
the CLOMP of cleats and drum-beats
rattle free crumbs for river creatures,
and splinters.

-S