there are vivid moments within
the tunnel view where colors dig deeper-
heavier from holding eyes shut.
I hold my breath and wait to come
out on the other side into pastel nothingness.
It was 10 seconds, and then a few more.
Out from under the aching concrete,
a weight lifted off my shoulders tells me to open
my eyes and pray to the damp pavement ahead of me.
Because for all those seconds I chose to rush through the dark,
I also chose to stay.