Long ago
I recall
Standing up tall
Pulling myself up
Then falling down
Crying, wailing in pain
Thundering footsteps come
Later
Taken away
Then all is just gone
Lost from memory

Eventually
Strapping on the heavy boot
Black fabric
Velcro straps
Comfortable, despite the injury
Then came crutches
Smiling despite my pain
Showing I am not prey

Months of waiting
Slowed down
Pressing questions
Too much fuss over something so small
Leave me;
Go care for thy self

"A little more time will do you good."
Never in any extra second was it
The torture 'twas
Unable to do much of anything
Merely there
Observing everything
Another world away
Muzzle in a book

At last, the day came
Freedom once again!
Just awaiting the moment
To run into the wilderness

- Jay M
April 17th, 2019