The Boy with Achilles Heels
written by: Lisa Mary Armstrong
@earlgrey79_lisa
When you were snuggled up
safely in my womb
your Achilles tendons played
a game of tug of war
with your heels
My heart would fall out of my chest
when you asked why you hadn’t been blessed
with perfect feet like all the rest
I smiled really hard as mothers do
when they run out of words
I’d tell you the story of Achilles
A god amongst men
Whispering
My son, you have two of them
but unlike Achilles
your story doesn’t end
with wars and battle wounds
Your vulnerability is a secret weapon
your Achilles heels
have given you strength,
courage and determination
your ability to bounce back
a source of inspiration
your beautiful feet
undefeated
you are
the boy with Achilles heels
Lisa Mary Armstrong is a Scottish poet. She lives with her children in South Lanarkshire and is a researcher and writer who teaches law and criminology. In her free time, she likes reading, playing the piano and gardening.
Latest posts by Lisa Mary Armstrong (see all)
- Songlines - May 13, 2022
- The Boy with Achilles Heels - March 13, 2021
