Dumb Endurance

I run through the valley of the shadow of death. I pant. I sweat. I search around frantically. I catch a glimpse of me in the lake water before me. Before me, it was who? Then who, then who? Then you. Old bitch! Catch me now or wait till I make my return.

Later comes the dusk of life. When dusk is too strong, I lose sight of the day I just had. So I run. I run and run and run and run until my shoes grow worn with holes and flap against my heels. I run until the stick pierces my right foot. Then my left. Stuck.

But why run when you can walk, they say. I have legs dummy, and more enthusiasm for my demise than fingers to count up to three hundred and three. Run, she does. Run. Before the birds spot the dent in your head.