I’ve reclaimed
The watchfulness
Of stern and downcast eyes

The scores I’ve abandoned
Fearfully
Ensnared by panic

When each shallow breath
Was all too much
When every lock-step
Brought down
The lash of exhaustion

I’ve reclaimed
The scorn of passersby
As I weave hopelessly
Through the bends and curves
Of indifference

All mercy
Soon defers
The further
I relive and reel