Blistering heat on the soles of feet
bared to the earth.
Summer’s stories are foretold
by shoes left in the closet
as a deposit to pay
for fun in the sun on its way.
Summer is coming when running free
becomes a certainty for shoeless children
and adults like me eager to play.
Let us all run free
from bullets and tanks
from white supremacy
from loss of our humanity
from threats to women
and nursing-less children
from over-heated earth
and timing of births
from storms and fires
from the need to be admired
from fear and remorse
when we failed to stay the course.
Kick off your shoes.
Feel life’s reality.
Restore your sanity.
For today, simply play.
annarino writes 