Mind Over Matter

Beads of perspiration form at my brow-- the liquid salt rolls down the side of my face, passing over my temples and picking up speed before plunging into the hollows beneath my cheekbones. My muscles quiver as fatigue burns a path into my limbs, igniting flames that pulse through my body with ever-increasing vigor. I take in big gulps of air to satisfy the ache in my lungs and push forward, repeating to myself a single phrase over and over again: Mind over matter. Mind over matter. Mind over matter.