Never again will I sit by that campfire,
waiting to see what’s to come.
No more hiding in plain sight—
though I wasn’t the best at it anyway.

Hours spent over years running and hiding and fixing,
through screams and laughter and anger too,
all fueled by adrenaline.
A small pastime that quickly grew to obsession,
7 p.m. to early morning sessions.

All in the past.
A hobby that was mine,
an escape in the night,
forever tarnished.

Enjoyment gone.
I thought I’d take a break,
but I have no desire to return.
And any time I do,
I am not welcomed back.