The Vessel

Breathing carefully a grappled with the bike lock, it was getting dark and this wasn't a neighborhood to be in after.

I wasn't in a mood to deal with any moots and the like.

Breathing into my sweatshirt I finally managed to unlock the bike and free it from the sign it was stuck against.

I quickly got on and began to ride.

The air began to cool, and with each push I felt my bike going faster.

The pedals and the strain in my muscles as I went up a small hill.

I refused to slow down,and began to such in air sharper.

The wind pushed at my hair, and I could feel the adrenaline as I continue to go on my way.

Faster and faster.

I could the feel the sounds and cars blur away from me.

A type of trance, that kept me alive even for a few moments.

I didn't care where I was going, as long as I was getting away.

Away from that neighborhood, away from my life.

That momentary freedom felt epic beyond my youth.

I was going down hill, even faster.

I raised myself from the seat, balancing long enough to lift my hands in an unsteady thrill.

The wind pushed my hair around wildly.

I could barely hear myself laugh.

Suddenly the bike wobbles.

S**t, I lean forward.

Almost completely hitting the ground.

The bike goes sideways and my leg gets caught.

I can't feel much until the bike stops.

It burns, and I can see my leg raw.

I stay there for a while.

Letting myself ache and groan.

Eventually I get up and bike again.

Towards, who cares to know?