Daddy always told me
“Pull up your bootstraps girl!”
Even though he knew
I walked barefoot through this world.
There’s something about bare feet
When planted firmly on the ground
As you navigate your way
Through what life brings around.
It’s grounding in a way
The peace and clarity you find
That no church has ever offered
And no priest can define.
When walking through the woods
You feel the quiet more than hear
Feeling the cool grass beneath
Your mind and heart begin to clear.
While sitting on the river bank
With wild water up to your knees
This is where you find your strength
And your soul it washes clean.
The trees become your temple
The sky, your cross, where you kneel
Speaking freely to the universe
You find salvation, and you heal.
Daddy knew that those bootstraps
Were only imaginary for me
For some, God made paths
Meant only for bare feet.
