when it feels like time is an endless race
and you're never sure what the next turn will hold
your body forms aging creases
that mock your mental timeline
while its soldiers multiply
you leave the home that you've always known
and then you're alone
more isolated than one could ever have imagined possible
destined to exist without your protectors
you're left to face the battle alone
watching your ancestors become numb to the thought of time and life
and realize that this race does indeed have an end
and time will always win
you continue to run with this knowledge
aware that victory lies in the hands of the opponent
but hope is always near
you tie the laces that continue to trip you
and push away the boulder that slows you down
a storm is approaching but you are vigilant
you uprear your mental umbrella
and endure