Running

The tale of a running boy

As a boy, I was always Running, running, running From one place to another Red-hair trailing behind me, like flames From trailer to house and back again Trees, bushes, bricks, and other obstacles Lay strewn along the path Impending danger waiting with every rushed step Four-year-olds only know one speed

Finally, it happened Tripped up by a cement cinder-block Falling flatly on my chin With tongue extended Teeth snapping shut Blood gushing from my mouth

Up I jump and run again Not back, but forward to my destination Screaming in fear and pain To grandma’s house Red, now dripping and trailing behind me

Cool glasses of water Given to stop the bleeding A look in the mirror shows The cut on my tongue Bleeding still, yet slowing down “That’s going to leave a scar” Grandma says

As an adult, I once again Look in the mirror at the scar My red hair, starting to gray I no longer run everywhere But remember that evening As if it was yesterday Running towards grandma’s house In Bellybutton, Arizona

© Matt Ray 2021

Here are some of my other poems and writing, including a piece about Bellybutton, Arizona. Please follow me on social media.