I know they're gaining on me.
Those shadows I run from.
I know their pace is quickly matching mine.

The tread of fear.
The course of pain.
My breath grows heavy.

I once ran towards them.
Chasing dreams, opening doors.
They slammed shut.

And now I run.
Never fast enough.
But I run.

Maybe, one day, the marathon will end.

I wish that you could see me,
The way I see me now.

My hair flows like silken fingers,
Reaching towards the bow.

Golden scales with a fire touch,
Like treasure now long lost.

Glinting amidst the waves at sea,
Calling men to forget the cost.

"Come to me!" I call them,
Waving delicate hands.

"Eternity awaits us,"
While smiling, he stands.

And overboard I take him,
To the depths where life is taken.

Unknowingly he follows,
No part of him is shaken.

I wish that you could see me,
In this ocean so calm and cool.

A mermaid undiscovered,
Just floating in her pool.

Gaining speed, the colors blur.
Desks and lights swimming, creating a new reality.
Watercolors blending, rivers merging.
Until you're faceless.

Spinning, swirling, spiraling.
Faster and faster.
Winds rushing, hair flowing.
Until you're nameless.

I'll have to stop eventually.
Let the top fall.
But until then I'll keep turning.
Until I'm free.

Insecure smiles spread thin.
Their veneer is old.
The cracks are showing.

I look inside each crevice.
Peering deep inside, I see the hurting soul.
Black, cold, straining towards the light.

I move to another wound.
This one cries out.
Aching to be heard.

It tells me to break the shell.
Open the wound.
"Let them see!"

The cry is heard only by me.
The room is filled with hurting hearts.
They drown out the other voices, hearing only their own.

All but me.
I hear.
It takes a mended heart to unbreak another.

I guarded my heart against you,
A somber shell exposed.
I hoped you'd never notice,
The yearning heart I hold.

Your eyes caught mine like diamonds,
Which catch the searing sun.
Burning hope within me,
A new dream had begun.

Others saw the starting,
Of a romance strong and true.
They all saw the beginning,
All others except for you.

We pass in small spaces,
Forced to make believe we're fine.
I now know that smile,
And I know it was never mine.

Take from my well,
For it runs deep.
Full of hope to spare.

Take more from me,
No matter the need.
Never enough to share.

Unending spring,
Yours to have.
Only to show I care.