Relay
by Odin Roark

Quietly restless vibrates their lives
Refusing to become another’s exhaustion

With feet that still move
Arms that forever embrace
Smiles that only invite
Thinking that feeds dreams
Their midnight oil remains burning

So go the resilient few
Bodily disintegration ignored
Their stamina relentless
Minds and hearts held fervent
Even as so few relate
Most collapsing beneath dimming flame

When the finish line appears
Champions of tenacity find the baton levitating
Shadowy runners refusing evanescence
Enjoining instead others unyielding

Still…

All must cross pragmatic finish lines
Exit stadium’s forgetful tunnels
Accept this life’s form of play

For some

Around unknown corners few wish to chance
Breathing continues restless
As transition invites pause
For new breath to be caught