Part I · The High School Era (1992–1996)
It’s ten after seven and the day’s getting late.
Why must I always race against fate?
Today has gone great from my point of view.
I had pancakes for breakfast, and tonight I’ll have stew.
I’m ten miles from home, and that’s not far by car.
But to return I’ll have to run, and after five I know I’ll tire.
I’m not supposed to be here, my parents have not been told.
When I get back I’ll be grounded for having been so bold.
I have an hour and a half. Is that enough time?
I have the endurance; I’m still in my prime.
But it’s sad to leave and sadder still to return,
I run my first mile, see my error, and turn.
There are so many things I think about:
Philosophy, religion, the future, my mission.
Sweat runs down my face, each breath utters an oath:
I’ll finish this damned race; let it signal my growth.
The time is now eight, and I’m almost there.
I feel like the tortoise that raced the hare.
Around the next corner there lurks my lair—
I step through the door and mutter a prayer…
Composed 1992–1996 · part of the Poems collection · authorship documented on the Provenance page.