a story re-told.

My eyes creak open,
and my body awakens to the warm breeze.
bars in my sights.
crowds form while horses ride circles around me.
all I hear are screams
while a man in the middle taunts me.
he who holds my pride and frustration.

I'm released for the first time in days.
slow from wounds and hunger.
my mind focus and taught
I know only of one thing.
the sun bakes my leathery skin while I slowly make my approach towards the center.
my breathing becomes heavy as I stare down the center.

a flash of red hits me
my focus is shattered and I'm left running
as I dash towards man
my body is guided down towards the floor.

my head spins
and I can see traces of blood on the gravel.
"is this blood mine?"
"I dont' have time to waste"
"I have to get up!"

my breathing becomes heavier.
and as I heave I can see that man glaring at me again.
he taunts me, but his eyes.....his eyes show pity.
"i don't need your pity."
"i don't need even need your respect."
I dash back towards him
but he leads me in circles.

"is this it?"
another flash of red.
"did I make it?"

my body barrels into the gravel once again.
a field of dust is shot into the air.
my mind is blank
and as I watch patiently into the distance abyss.
weak, and immobilized
I regretfully ponder.

"am I going to die?"

the man appears as only a shadow.

"but I'm not ready"
"I'm not ready yet..."

He steps closer.

"I'm not ready yet...."