Running From the Past (Final Version)

Posted by Terrence Johnson

Running with reckless abandon

arms desperately pumping up and down

like rabid dogs dangerously close behind

nipping at the heels.

Beads of sweat fall in a constant flow

leaving a trail of fear

each breath pounds against the chest  

hard and loud.

Gravel slows forward progression

making each step futile

close to exhaustion

glancing at what’s behind.

Scared the past will eventually emerge

with a ferocious bite

not noticing the scars

that it has already produced.

Running from unchangeable events

lingering dark as shadows

an ever present reminder

no shoes can outrun the past.

Slowing to face

the mental picture of ravenous dogs

that fades into the mirror of

self reflection.