Copper Line

The pavement pounded, flat and hard,

my lungs on fire, a burning plea.

I pushed the limits, kept my guard,

against the voice that called to me.

Just one more block, the sweat ran free,

my legs were heavy, stiff, and sore.

Then came that tang, a sudden plea,

of something coppery, wanting more.

It hit the back of my throat, a shock,

a metallic bite, sharp and keen.

Reminding me, with each hard clock,

what's under the skin, what's unseen.