Rooted Aches

A scrape on the knee.

A summer reminder.

Daylong adventures;

Balancing on decrepit

Railroad tracks with a

Jumping heart at

Every careful step.

And hoping a train

Won’t come to play.

Or if it does emerge,

A quick perfect dodge

Would save young life.

Battering soreness

Into exhausted heels,

Without care, because,

The day was worth

The rooted aches.