Mer Girl

I ran from my house that cannot contain me
From the man that I cannot keep
From my mother who haunts me, even though she’s gone
From my daughter that never sleeps
I ran from the noise and the silence
From the traffic on the streets
I ran to the treetops, I ran to the sky
Out to the lake, into the rain that matted my hair
And soaked my shoes and skin
Hid my tears, hid my fears
I ran to the forest, I ran to the trees
I ran and I ran, I was looking for me
I ran past the churches and the crooked old mailbox
Past the apple orchards and the lady that never talks
Up into the hills, I ran to the cemetery
And held my breath, and thought about your death
I ran to the lake, up into the hills
I ran and I ran, I’m looking there still
And I saw the crumbling tombstones
All forgotten names
I tasted the rain, I tasted my tears
I cursed the angels, I tasted my fears
And the ground gave way beneath my feet
And the earth took me in her arms
Leaves covered my face
Ants marched across my back
Black sky opened up, blinding me
I ran to the forest, I ran to the trees
I ran and I ran, I was looking for me
I ran to the lakes and up to the hill
I ran and I ran, I’m looking there still
And I smelled her burning flesh
Her rotting bones
Her decay
I ran and I ran
I’m still running away