nothing was around me

but the uncertain kiss of the foggy air upon my exposed skin.


nothing was around me

but the few droplets that stuck to the wool of my sweater,

but lingered even with the harshest movement of my limbs.


nothing was around me

but the darkened discoloration of the air

and the swirling of the vapor with the small stirs of wind.


nothing was around me

as my slowed breaths escaped my nostrils

and fell upon my upper lip.


nothing was around me

but the crunching of the dead leaves below my feet

as uncertainty shifted my weight.


nothing was around me

when I heard them coming,

as the dead leaves called out my location.


nothing was around me

when I couldn’t tell the difference between

courage and fear.


nothing was around me

when I couldn’t stand the sound.


nothing was around me

when the vapor in the air swirled frantically

as I pushed off of the

paralyzing terrain.


Nothing was around me
when I decided to leave.