Freedom
Breath in deeply,
inhale
Exhale
Sweat dripping off the side of my neck.
Dipping in the indent between my shoulder blades.
My hair clinging to my face,
a second skin.
Bouncing on the soles of my feet,
Taking position,
one-step,
two, three.
Run.
My steps are belligerent.
Cool air dancing on my skin.
Arms like wings take flight.
Eyes set on finish, straight ahead.
I bite my lips,
the taste in my mouth is acetic.
Legs light, heave, tired,
carrying my body onward.
Adrenaline,
kicking in,
sprouting awareness.
Rushing past,
everything’s a blur.
I hear a cheer,
one, then two,
then too many,
making me deaf.
Legs bucking,
falling,
standing on my knees.
Arms pounding,
my stomach and body crumpling.
Relief,
finally,
freedom.
Breath in deeply,
inhale
Exhale
Sweat dripping off the side of my neck.
Dipping in the indent between my shoulder blades.
My hair clinging to my face,
a second skin.
Bouncing on the soles of my feet,
Taking position,
one-step,
two, three.
Run.
My steps are belligerent.
Cool air dancing on my skin.
Arms like wings take flight.
Eyes set on finish, straight ahead.
I bite my lips,
the taste in my mouth is acetic.
Legs light, heave, tired,
carrying my body onward.
Adrenaline,
kicking in,
sprouting awareness.
Rushing past,
everything’s a blur.
I hear a cheer,
one, then two,
then too many,
making me deaf.
Legs bucking,
falling,
standing on my knees.
Arms pounding,
my stomach and body crumpling.
Relief,
finally,
freedom.