The Pause in the Walk



It was only a third of the way up the hill

All of a sudden, heart raced, body stilled

As chest heaved, and arms dropped to side

Life felt like it was over, senses did collide



Back seized, hips held, shoulders spiralled

Breath stopped, nose numbed, eyes levelled

Past images flashed in moments, then faded

Tried to grasp them, then became quite jaded



Knees froze, calves iced, toes stopped wiggling 

The life which had warmed them all was seguing 

Something suddenly moved, rolled down a cheek

The moment passed - things were not quite so bleak



Tongue rolled forward, tip stuck out to catch the tear

Things started to work again, washing away the fear

The Mask of Death had tried out its hand upon a face

Then, finding no peace - had floated away ... 

                                                to another place



Christopher W. Thomas

9am Monday 11/3/97