Endurance-a definition

I write poems

because I must use metaphor to carry the word

lonely

when it is too heavy for my tongue.

If the echoes hold nothing but the sound of my own voice

I must learn to say things

filling enough

to sooth an empty stomach and a cavernous heart

on days when there is not enough food or love to go around.

My voice must be soft, and warm

comforting like a mothers hug

Pulled from her heart by scratched knees and mud stained cheeks

so I can wrap it around my heart

warm blanket

to keep the frost away

My legs can not shake

because the past is only one step behind

fingers grazing ankles,

waiting… to claim me.

And I can not run

Because the future is asleep in its bed

And will not wake till tomorrow.

All I can do

is…

endure.