I round the block and
Stop for a short distance of time.
Almost home.
Leaning over,
Hands on knees,
I try to catch my breath.
I am panting hard and I can feel my legs burning

Rain drops start falling from the
Sky, landing on my head.
I can feel each refreshing cold drop,
As it hits my forehead and slides
Slowly down my cheeks.
I look up to see many more coming down,
Like leaves falling from a tree in autumn.
The sky is a dark, hazy gray.
Angry clouds swirl straight above my head;
A melting pot of mixed grays, blacks, and blues.

Panic fills my mind.
I hurry to make it home
And finish my run
Before the storm decides to get worse.
I yearn to be home, where I can rest.
I hear the wind pick up and scream into my ear.
Thunder crackles as I reach my front door.

I shut the door behind me,
Separating myself;
A barrier between the
Wet, scary, and loud outdoors
And the dry, safe and sound indoors.
I feel the warmth hit my skin
And the smell of french vanilla candles
Fills my mind, erasing all panic and fear from earlier.
My home is my safe-haven
Where I can finally feel at ease,
Even when my surroundings
Are harsher than the current of a riptide.