The Tread

Pulled them from the closet's gloom,

these boots, a witness in the room.

The laces frayed, the leather scuffed,

by paths where earth was hard and rough.

Each worn-down heel, a story told

of miles traversed, brave and bold.

They carried me through wind and rain,

through doubt and loss, and numbing pain.

A silent pact, a faithful pair,

that bore the weight I could not bear.