Secure in my walker
I take a sojourn around the block
After a long hiatus in my wheelchair
I can feel the pre atrophy of leg muscles
Each step I stride
I slow
Until I drag one foot
In front of other
A little tingle at first
I can feel my
Hamstrings
Pulling
Itching
Shortening
Behind my leg
Burning when I walk
I knew I needed to stretch before
Pain flows up my thighs
From my toes to my butt is on fire
Why didn't I walk yesterday
The day before yesterday
Or even a week before that
Do something to
Stop my hamstring from
Turning to a rigid rebar cement pole
So I cannot walk ever again




Lateef McCleod, Oakland, CA recent MFA from Mills College