cold feet

To amount to nothing

Is to not be worth a thing at all—

To fail even a drop to the knees

Instead, you’re a fall attempting to appease

But even then, your shadow is far too light

You’re a thumb, a rash, and an empty lighter;

You’re the dry eyes when expressing strife;

The tired hurricane failing to submerge the fire

“Do your relationships call for remorse?”

“Well, all but that, of course.”

Then think:

If cold feet have become the frozen leg,

Then the first effort can become the entire change.

If I am not a nickel, 

Not even a city street’s dirty dime,

If I am none the effort of the wound that bleeds,

Then tell me how it is

That I am still alive,

Present in individuality?

- M. Rose