Flames

body’s cold

soul’s on fire

bones are tired

but warm

so warm

that even though

i should

let my weary limbs sag

my legs propel me

to a forward march.

(don’t stop).

rest beckons

but the hand around my throat

makes me

carry on.

the bile in my mouth tastes like acid.

(you can’t stop).

i am afraid

of the silence in my brain

that will scream inside of me

of my empty heart

that will fill my eyes with tears

if I stop

running.

(keep going).

soul’s alight

burning on cold coals

skin’s red

dripping with sweat.

burned out

still burning.