Step by step

I run

Feet pounding against the cool earth

And crunching on fallen leaves,

Reminding me of my once magnificent brethren

Brambles scratch my skin

Leaving more scars and smears of blood

Proof of my attempts

And evidence of my resolve

White breaths flow from my lips

Disappearing into the pitch black sky

Red scars mar my wrists

And with every leap the tender skin on my ankles

And the wounds on my back hurt

Yet despite it all I feel exhilarated

This time

I would be free