Chased

The inflicted torment would ease,
      my restraints be released,
          if the shadows that stalk me
                   would disappear –

A clear purpose
     in place of fear
                    as they blur in the cement
                    and drown in the pavement.

If only the demons that chase me
     would turn away –
               approach invisibility,
                             increasingly fade
                                        into a blurred mirage,
                                        an adjacent facade,
                                                     I could be free.

Impossible weights
     try to force me in place –
               insisting a mandatory fate.

Choking on screams
    as they invade my dreams,
               I hear the taunts
                   as they gain speed.
                             Focusing on my weakness,
                               they aim to feed.

The shadows are quick,
       unbearably thick
             with forceful strength –
                          they have all but won.

I’m left without choice:
     Forfeit. Or run.