Walking in place, each step, an embrace: my toes, to the floor, then heel; once more. Not forward nor back, extension, contract: changing position, persistent, the stiction. The weight of the floor, a shiftable platform below me, it mocks; consistent, the clock. Keeping time, keeping beat, never complete. Inside me, the race, quicker than pace. Inside me, the surge, more to discourage: pumping, through, and again like steps, now and then. Forward, though same, it is here i remain.