Panting accompanies every step
An overworked cardiac muscle
Begging me to give in
To its request to inspect
The ground's temperature and comfort level

A condescending laugh escapes me
An endless bed of broken, jagged and slippery rock
Joined together haphazardly
To form an uneven and intimidating path
Are we certain this arrangement wasn't conspiratorial?

"Is this where you hope to find relief?"
My heart avoids answering the question
It simply makes the pull of gravity
All...