Underfoot

Stepped off the curb, a sudden

squish. Looked down,

that gray, flattened gum, iridescent

like a bad oil slick. Stuck.

My sole, its unwitting host.

Dragged it on the rough sidewalk,

tried to dislodge the past

some kid chewed, spit out, and lost.

It only smears, a faint

streak of frustration. Like some

small, petty weight you can't

shake, just have to carry home.