Trying to hide from my shadow

Has been like eating processed,

Canned razor blades.

When I reach to the light,

It casts itself behind me,

And tries to pull me back.

Striker, prison hound, find me;

I’m lurking in the shadow.

I’m lurking behind the wheel,

Pushing this limit to eighty, plus.

Deadly leash, lashing away.

Long lost through the living wood,

Into the dying forest, past

Smoke rings and faraway laughter:

Ghost of the gray wizard;

White hat. Black hat. Scat cat.

The dog breathing louder, now.

The shadows careening about,

Cast by the last strand of light,

Thrown from love’s final blow.

Stomach burning from running.

Sweat itching down my back.

Can’t even see my shaking hands.

Can’t even feel my frozen toes.

Can’t even pull in one final br…

Wake. Sweat. Cold. Laughing.

My love is shining overhead:

A bright smile cast across my path.

As I walk, my eyes glance to the alley:

Black furr and yellow eyes from within.

Feeling that tug again.

Then forget and take to fly.