Running Away

Obstacles are meant to be overcome.

I walk into the room

& immediately realize that I’m screwed.

I don’t know him, or him, or her…

introductions are in order.

Stranger number one approaches me, extends his hand.

“Hey, man, my name is Ryan.”

“My name is… uhm

Uhm, my name is…”

I’m locked up.

One more desperate attempt for something… nothing.

I look at him, nervously smile, say I’m sorry,

then turn my back & walk away.

I hear their laughter as I close the door.

I run down the steps,

sprint across the parking lot to my apartment,

& scream into my pillow.

I’ll deal with it another day.

For now, I’ll just keep running away.

* * * * *

I've been putting off this phone call for days.

The phone rings on the other end,

my heart pounds in my chest.

The rings seem endless.

“Palouse Physical Therapy, this is Joanne, how can I help you?”

“…….

Uhm… my name is...

.......”

“Hello?”

I’m locked up so bad this time I can’t even breathe.

“Hello? Is there anyone there?”

“Uhm… “

“Okay, this isn’t funny.

Find something better to do with your time than to prank call a medical office.”

*Click*

Before I can even get a word out, before I can schedule an appointment,

Joanne hangs up on me.

I’m a joke.

I blankly stare at the phone as a tear slides down my face.

I’ll deal with it another day.

For now, I’ll just keep running away.

* * * * *

Today is the day.

I’m taking a stand.

I can’t stand to feel the alienation

of not being able to say my name anymore.

I’m sick of feeling dumb when all that comes out of my mouth is “uhm.”

There is so much more in store for me to give up now.

I’ve been running away for far too long.

No longer will I allow this impediment to impede my progress.

No longer will I hide from it.

No longer will I let it compromise my confidence.

I’ve been running away for far too long.

I’m confronting my adversity, head on.

Yes, today is the day.

I’m taking my stand.

I just happen to have a stutter,

it’s not who I am.

Reviews

[Joshua Thomas]

A good read, I think you would write interesting prose. Adding meter to this to build a sort of rhythm (although I realize the narrator is in a difficult place, hence disjointed sentences- a good technique). A sequel might also be interesting!

Josh

[Delmar Cooper]

Well written thanks for sharing this