The Path

Green mist 
  passes before my eyes
tinting everything
             an emerald hue,
clinging to
the ends of my fur
    as I run through
         this gauntlet of streets.

Blades of conformity
  lash at me
trying to cut away
       my individuality,
and weighted balls of suppression
   try to knock me in line.
Deftly I dodge 
  each thrust and blow
heading 
    forward
  without a destination,
just trying to survive.

Walls drop in
     changing my path,
slowing my progress
         but not stalling it.
A hunger starts to eat at me
  and I chew on my arm
                     to quell it.

I crawl through
   the mire of depression
and time becomes nonexistent
  as I struggle to be free.
Once I’m out 
    I shake off my coat
and start my trek anew.

(When the physical doesn’t work)
   the ghosts of my past
        are released,
they float towards me
   with severed limbs,
      severed hearts,
         and severed souls
all trying to touch me,
   make me relive
their pains
              that I created.
Twisting and turning
        Matrix style
  I evade their
    seditious advances,
  spinning and contorting
to fit through
     the narrowing chambers.

On all fours I continue
  picking up speed
    as the slandering alley
cuts off the wind,
  gaining just enough
to spring over 
   the spiked pit
threatening to impale me.
  I hit the ground in a roll
    and slide to the wall
breathing heavily,
looking toward my future path.

I see it doesn’t end,
    so this is how it’s to be,
continuous traps and pitfalls.
The trick
  is to enjoy surpassing them,
take time to reflect,
     that’s the secret
                the world hides.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Brown Avatar
December 23, 2009 at 3:18 AM
Congratulations on being a first round survivor Mark and the best to you in the finals. I wish you the best in your writing endeavors in 2010 whatever they may be. Love, Carol
Freeman Avatar
December 21, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Congratulations Mark on your poem going to the 2nt round. Sincerely, Moses
Sheart Avatar
December 21, 2009 at 9:25 AM
Mark,Congrats on your poem winning the first round of PS contest!! Very well deserved, enjoyed reading your wonderful poetry. Here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! May 2010 be your best year ever! Love Light Patty
Devonshire Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Congratulations on moving to the next round with this great poem, Mark! Wishing you joy and happiness in the New Year, love, Carolyn
Fraser Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Many congratulations on reaching the second round with your fine poem >> James
Mason Avatar
December 12, 2009 at 4:44 PM
.... and Slow Down ... LOL ... your write here had me breathless by the end ... smile ... wonderful selection to be featured this week here at the Soup! Congratulations!!
Esquire Avatar
December 12, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Dear Mark, Congratulations on YOUR Featured POEM " The Path " Running over, under, around, and through the Pitfalls of Life Superb Presentation Enjoyed the read ALWAYS...HG
Fisher Avatar
December 9, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Many congrats on your featured poem this week. Rgds Janette
Nutter Avatar
December 9, 2009 at 2:45 AM
Congratulations on having your poem featured this week. A. W. Nutter
Brown Avatar
December 8, 2009 at 4:54 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Mark. May you have many more. Love, Carol
Sheart Avatar
December 7, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Hi Mark, enjoyed your feature poem this week, congrats! Love Light Patty
Fraser Avatar
December 7, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Congratulations on your poem being featured >> James
White Avatar
December 6, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Congrats on your featured poem! ***Danielle***
Cooper Avatar
November 10, 2008 at 5:50 PM
bravo great pen
 Avatar
October 29, 2008 at 10:20 AM
The emotion comes through your words in this poem. Nice use of imagery and personifications to forward your thoughts. Just remember, where there is life there is hope. Keep on writing! Karen
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