There’s nothing here
that you didn’t leave behind.
This is the same place
that you escaped.
The only fear
is what you keep in your mind.
There is a way out.
Nothing quite like running.
The lungs strain for air,
the legs stretch
and push you
onwards.
The mind becomes clear,
but in the end,
you still come back
to where you started.
Everything’s the same.
All that’s changed
is within you.
Nothing so terrible
as sinking back
into comfort,
letting your mind
cloud over,
finding the cover
of familiarity.
There is no
sadder death
than a quiet one.
Out there,
sweat on your face,
you know that you’re alive.
Everyone needs something
to run to.
Everyone needs a place to die.
Feel it in you,
that pure
runner’s high.
Did you remember
to turn around this time?
Are you somewhere new?
Do you like the view,
or do you want
to look behind?
Everything stays the same,
if you return and face
the things that steal
the wind from your sails.
Or, you can just run
and keep running,
on forever,
until you find
a peaceful place to die.
Happy,
like a runner’s high.
HG – 2022
