Running In the Shadows

Running in the shadows, I feel the clock ticking; Every second begins an eternity Of thoughts; the hourglass running over. I hurdle trash cans; I clear alley cats. I’m unstoppable in Both mind and body. I have to hurry. We were happy just a while ago. We danced to the pitter-patter of the rain On the tin-plated roof. And as if the Fates removed her legs, She fell. I held her hand while she coughed That scratching, painful blood. I feel solely responsible somehow. I can’t even touch her without Feeling the guilt pierce me like A stake through the heart of a monster. I knew her condition was weak And I still let her out in the rain. She wanted to feel water from the sky, Not through a tube. I couldn’t say no, So we danced until the faint. I picked her up and cradled her to the bed. Her exercised blood stain permeated my clothes. "Don't move," I said. "I have the cure." Now even the clouds weep softly for her pain, Their tears hover in the breeze. As I dodge human comfort, The mist fills my face, Soaking through my dreams And goals. My survival is relative. Her survival is absolute. The sweet heaven of the street light Offers so much love for such little time. A warm hug in the middle of midnight chills. The cold, foggy rain vanishes as I Become numb in the orange glow. Even if only for a second, I can relive happiness. But I must keep running. I have the cure in my hand. Who knows what the future brings, But if I have a say, she will not die tonight. She’s in bed, and I have but a few seconds Before…before… Before I can even see her better. And if she gets better, not only will I Relive happiness for a second, But for eternity, And that's all the hope I need.