“I don’t need sunscreen. I don’t burn.”
Warning him about the Mexican sun, his wife
Later laughed at his discomfort and pain.
Summoning that heat he strained against
The howling blizzard, cursing the biting wind,
Grasping snow, and unrelenting pursuers.
They had tracked him down to
Where he thought he could disappear.
His dogs roused in a frenzy
At the approach of vengeance.
He managed to reach the forest
That had dimmed to a black abyss.
Compelled by urgency and will,
Consumed by desperation and fear,
Distancing himself from the logic of destiny
Pressed him to the precipice of purpose.
He plunged headlong into the wilderness,
Blinding cold and snow impeding progress.
Tracks in the snow spurred his slackening pace.
Unable to accept his awaiting fate
The lost soul thrust further into the night,
Into the oblivion of darkness.
The storm and pursuit refused to abate
Mimicry mocking with stalking steps.
Exhaustion extinguished hope,
Collapsing him amid the frenetic footsteps.
Dawn was dispelling the darkness.
Eyes closed at the sliver of warmth on his face,
He heard waves and his wife’s laughter.
“I don’t need sunscreen. I don’t burn.”
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