Can you see it?
The slender, stiff fingers
Of anxiety, stretching out
Trying to engulf me
Telling me 'You're no good for this'

Can you feel it?
The ice cold caresses
Of despair, tightening
On my lanky ankles
Trying to throw me face down

Can you taste it?
The acerbic, splenetic flavor
Of pain, searing hot like red skewers
Burning my soles
Making me cry out in anguish

I soar, walk and stumble
On the wild road filled with
Clearing the branches and thorns
Ignoring the pain of bones obstructing  my throat
That make my boots get stuck

I can feel and taste it
The warmth of success seeping
From above. I can see it
The ladder of hope, leading to joy
Even with sagged shoulders and
Tired feet, that climb is one I shall make