Linda Moses

Dec 09, 2008 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

The Chase

Running through the fields
In the pale moonlight
Running from an unknown fear
My feet have become as lead

And I know I can run no further
Yet the urgency I feel
Because of what is chasing me
Spurs me on

It is close behind, I can hear
It's raspy breath
I dare not stop running
It is closing in quickly

Suddenly, I look down at my feet
And they have become large paws
Striking out forcefully, and I am
Running wildly without effort

I can feel the strength in my body growing
And the panting I hear now
Is my own, as the vapor arises from my breath
In the cold night air

I do not know if I am wolf or a large cat
But I am strength, and I am animal
And I am running on all fours
Is it really me, or something else I see

In this eerie dream of chase and flight
Is it mythical or is it real
What nameless fear do I run from
What nameless thing do I become

— Linda Moses, Dec 09, 2008

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: Texas, USA

Favorite Poets: rethinking this. have recently started reading the works of some of the greats, I will comment later

Critiques

Barbara Writes

17 years 6 months ago

A good write

the chase was a wonderful read. I wonder what chased you, but in the end it remained nameless and what you became in the chase running without effort is a great image of transformation. I spent many years running and flying from unknown fears in my dream. Respectfully Yours, Barbara

Linda Moses

17 years 6 months ago

Barbara

It must be a common dream. I don't have it as much as I used to. I guess we all have fears, and we try to work them out in dreams. Thank you Barbara for reading and commenting.

Robert Melliard

17 years 6 months ago

Hi Linda,

I used to have similar running-away dreams to the one you describe so vividly in your poem. My favourite ending to this type of dream was when my stride lengthened and I started to fly. That was a great feeling! I can't remember ever changing into some kind of beast, however. Your final questions about the possible meaning of the dream leave the reader intrigued. I like the way you write here because it is so clear. I'm fed up with obscure poetry. Long live simplicity! Best wishes, Robert.

Linda Moses

17 years 6 months ago

Robert

Now flying would be wonderful. There is so much beautiful poetry on this site, but there are times I am not sure what the writer is saying, so I hesitate to comment for fear of saying the wrong thing. Thank you for reading and commenting.

infinite_dwarf

17 years 6 months ago

Linda

Have had a similar dream, but mine usually happen in slow-mo when I'm facing forwards, and it's only when I run backwards that I get any speed. (???) strange, I know. I think a psychiatrist would have a field day trying to analyse some of the dreams I have! Great write! ~Jess K. ---------------------------------------------------- - "Does Rudolph fail the safety inspection if his nose is burnt out? And where does he go? I don't think he'd fit in the bay at the Jiffy Lube." Happy holidays, y'all!

Linda Moses

17 years 6 months ago

Jess

I think maybe we should stop eating before bedtime, or something. Thanks for reading and commenting

infinite_dwarf

17 years 6 months ago

LOL, I don't think that's it...

I have weird dreams whether I eat before bed or not. I think it's just 'cause I'm wacky... LOL! ~Jess K. ---------------------------------------------------- - "Does Rudolph fail the safety inspection if his nose is burnt out? And where does he go? I don't think he'd fit in the bay at the Jiffy Lube." Happy holidays, y'all!

Linda Moses

17 years 6 months ago

Jess

Wacky is good.

prayersbyPatty

17 years 6 months ago

Linda

Awesome. I had a feeling it was a dream. You are that strong and thats a good thing. I liked this poem. It kept my interest and never guessed the ending. I am practicing flying in my dreams. Have for a year now. Its also a good thing. Patty

Linda Moses

17 years 6 months ago

Patty

once in my dreams, I was flying( no plane) and I fell out of bed with a thud, and that woke me up.Rough landing. Other times, in my dream, I go outside and my plane is in the back yard, and I just hop in and go flying. I don't seem to need any take off space or landing space, I just sit the thing down when I am done. It is always at night when I fly and very peaceful. NOt sure how you practice, though.

prayersbyPatty

17 years 5 months ago

Linda

At risk of sounding insane, I am the plane. I think up and my body goes there I think straight and I see wondrous things. I am practicing for heaven. I plan on being a butterfly for a while. Parry

Linda Moses

17 years 5 months ago

Patty

I think you are probably one of the sanest people I know.

themoonman

17 years 5 months ago

Hi Linda...

Your dream is one that we can all relate to... the running that is... now changing into the un-named animal is quite a twist... I am strength, and I am animal... great line there... enjoyed the read and the comments on this poem... Richard

Linda Moses

17 years 5 months ago

Richard

I guess it is related to anxiety we all feel during our waking hours. However, if I went to a shrink, I don't think I would mention this dream. Thank you for reading and for your comments.