Slip sliding
on wintry thin ice
trying to gain traction.

Bright pink running shoes
distract
demons
chasing from shadows.

Strategically placed lamp posts
shine
circles of light
down.
Islands of safety
dispersing shadows.

Bursts of fuchsia speed
pump technically clothed knees and arms.
Breath catches and releases.
Heart races faster
than rose clad feet.

Shadows
stretch to touch,
encompass me.
Feet land and ricochet,
bound into next step
straining on slippery surface.

As door closes behind,
warmth of home
wraps me in a hug of familiarity.
Exhausted shoes
collapse on shelf.
Shadows fade
and are forgotten,
for the moment.