Let’s not confuse the sad with the empty,
though the expressions may be the same.
Tie labels around each toe
with notes on how well the footprints smile.
Are they real, or just so creatively painted on
that you’re mesmerised and can’t see the raw skin
blistering from so much neglect?
Gold stars for getting up in the morning,
lifting up the weighted chains
entwining every limb.