standstill

I could have easily evaded his arrow
but I chose to take it right in the midsection
Carefully I lumbered along seeking assistance
The only cure lay in my desire to withdraw

I tried to force my breathing to make sense
but every swallow reminded me of mistake
I snapped the shaft close to the skin
And got on my feet remembering what I saw

The dome began to spin as I battled balance
My feet each three tons dragged along the ground
My heart wanting rest in loving arms gave up
I argued with my will and every physical law

The sweat on my brow the tears of my skin
Failure's price paid to circumvent the test
Hiding from salvation is a one way path
To a shootout where you never get to draw

The dirt and paint under my finger nails
Memories of all that I knew in contempt
The future a shadowed lurking haunt
Hunched in wait with gaping maw

All rights reserved to James M. Cox