Failure

She runs, fluid movements of a body on fire

Every inch of skin consumed by aching passion

And yet she runs, sinew moving beneath her heated skin

Taking her away from all that she knew would ever be

Running, hiding her face from those who would spit

Tears burning her eyes, telling her that all is for naught

Breaking apart into a million pieces as she flies

The earth cutting her bare feet

The silks clothing her body tearing as she goes

And yet she doesn't care

Freedom raced when she was alone

Her heart as though it might cave in upon itself

Knowing that to be free meant to fail

And feeling that failure had taken her before she had even begun

Whispered words spoken of 'that girl'

had made her tremble and feel ashamed

But she had continued to strive for the perfection of her soul

The perfection of her slave's heart

And yet she remained alone.

She had failed.

She knew that in moments they would be coming for her

With Iron and with Steel, seeking her out, the runaway girl

But the steel around her heart had been marred, broken

And the fire in her belly was dead and gone

So she ran, panting, her lungs filling with air

Emptying again, stumbling, tripping, falling to the ground

Hearing in her ears the chant of failure.

Copyright ©Storm 2003