Just within reach

My feet are bloody

I didn't think I'd need to put on shoes

Everyone said Hope is

Easy

Always with you.

I thought we'd walk side by side

Facing each challenge together.

I didn't know I'd have to run

just to keep up.

It started on a dark night

I could see Hope just outside

the window

I didn't realize how many

tree roots and stones there were.

I just ran after

hand outstretched

grasping

so I wouldn't have to face

things alone.

Every inch I get

closer

my hand outstretched hoping to catch

just one finger

or the flapping of a jacket.

Even just for a moment.

Even if it slips

my grasp

Maybe if I can just

have the memory

I can keep Hope with me from now on.

Instead of facing everything with

my back against a wall

and a cold loneliness

draped over my shoulders.

Like the night air that hit me as

I sprinted out after the

elusive Hope.

Not that I can feel it now

Now

All I feel is the pebbles under

my feet

brambles catching on

my arms and legs

and the air whipping past

my ears.

No one could be cold

running this fast.

Scrambling up slopes in

the nighttime woods

Every fall

every scrape

every step

feels like a warm rush.

And just as I catch up

to the faintly glowing Hope

a burning in my limbs and

deep in my chest

erupts.

But then Hope slips away

air rushing between us

a faint breeze.

dragging the heat with it.

Like I'm being drained,

and replaced by a statue of myself.

Cold and immovable.

But I won't stop

I refuse.

I will catch Hope,

I refuse to be alone anymore!

My desperation drives me

no matter how dark the night is,

or how many trees block my path.

No matter how slippery the ground,

wet with dew which means

the dawn

must be approaching.

No matter how many times I fall,

I WILL catch Hope.

I know these woods,

I've run the mountain paths a million

times.

Hope is in my territory,

I'll catch up.

Hope can run,

But not hide.

That's what I

tell myself

each time Hope

ducks

out of the moonlight,

or behind a tree,

or leaps down a ravine.

Each time I feel

my muscles burning

and my lungs ready

to seize.

This is my home

and I cannot lose here!

The trees

These trees aren't

mine

though.

I didn't notice

until moon reflected

off an unknown

maple.

I've gone too far,

I'm away from

my

home.

Who cares?

I can't stop

with Hope so close.

I'll catch Hope at that clearing

up ahead!

I will!

Just a little

further!

Just

a little

closer I stretch

reaching

out!

The wind is gone

its still warm

and Hope's hand is in mine

looking at me with my own face

and with all my scars from our run.

Hope says

Want to keep going?