the treadmill

I want to get off the treadmill,

because my rubber soles don't bounce

But I can’t -

I’m to scared to jump, stop or even walk.

And the world underneath my automated feet keeps turning,

mile after virtual mile,

We’re all on the treadmill.

Racing towards a finish line

which really has no end.

You push, I push,

We scramble forwards for a prize,

That’s why we’re running,

On separate machines

Separate screens

Similar dreams.

I want to get off the treadmill

I want to be free to go where I like

But I can’t.