Japanese Child

• Lachlan McDowell, Grade 7e
• Poetry
• 2011

I run and run, on and on, until my feet bleed
I dare not make a sound, or reveal my place
running does not give me what I need
but if I stop then I will have to face

creatures that lurch, things that yell
things that make thought and reality mesh
creatures of the purest hell
a mad man dreams made flesh

I run, hiding from the light
for man will always run from fear
I weave and duck in maddened flight
For my soul, I cannot hear

I fall and feel great pain
I Wait for a monster to loom
I do not look for that would drive me insane
But I do not run, for I embrace my doom