Running after and away from myself,
run like lives in the balance.
Strength and worth are not just words
but two eyes that stare from the face of a stopwatch.

I am made of sweat and needs:
to breathe, to beat on, to progress, to reach –
my eyes sulfur, my joints all foam
as limbs discover the meaning of their life
is motion.

Under layers, I shed the shields –
skin turns to silver and steel.
Evolution in the machine:
my pace, my beat, my screaming feet
are a fulcrum praying not to fail.

My god on the 7th day did not rest
and Eden always lay ahead;
these paved miles are made for me
to destroy.
And under sneaker’s heel I crush the demon:
allow it life – but only in my wake.

Run like lives in the balance.