Sweat and Steel

I ran through the park, feet pounding the ground,

as the pulse of the city echoed back sound.

The edge of my breath was laced with despair,

as the taste of blood mingled with air.

With each stride, a reminder of effort’s sharp cost,

that some battles are won, yet others are lost.

The bitter and red, my body’s cruel fee,

like the price of my hunger to finally be free.

I wiped at my chin, sweat dripped like rain,

a moment of glory intertwined with the pain.

The thrill of the chase, the weight of my heart,

in the dance with my limits, we’d never depart.

As I gasped for relief, the ground felt so near,

with every sharp gasp came a flicker of fear.