Chrysalis

Every step is a battle,
An assault of the fervid summer night
Thick with sweat, grime, and musk,
And sharpened gazes from dusky corners.

Every step catches slithering,
Grinding growls beneath a folded hood,
Languid shuffling in tattered sandals, 
Screeching cackles of fury and lust.

Every step is a calculation,
Eyes fixed ahead that see behind,
Knuckles white and glinting,
Calves tightened and coiled.

Every step keeps your balance,
Perched on a fraying tightrope
But when you cross the chasm,
You must forget and prepare. 
For tomorrow you walk again. 

I'm so fucking tired.