Marla J. Frazier

I've spent many years now
Running from the bear.
Just when I think you're gone,
You once again are there.

Fear grips like a vise
If you're anywhere around.
I stay quiet and hidden
So that I will not be found.

Overwhelmed by sheer terror
Of another vicious attack,
Praying you won't find me,
But you always circle back.

Adrenaline is now surging,
Giving me the strength to flee.
I run until I can run no more,
And then you catch up to me.

Suddenly you're upon me.
I see the rage in your eyes.
I try so hard to fight you off.
I hear your roar above my cries.

You could do more than frighten me,
For of your strength I am aware,
But you let me go once again
So I can start running from the bear.

Pretty little high heels,
How you look so grand.
I can remember when I wore you
And I could proudly stand.

Now you look kind of scary,
Sitting on my closet shelf.
I want to put you on,
But I don't trust myself.

Just a few short years ago,
I could wear you and actual walk.
But now that's just a memory
Of which I happily talk.

Oh, my little high heels,
I did not have a clue
That one day you would frighten me
And I would stay away from you.

I'm seeing that my golden years
Are robbing me of things like you.
Now I shop in the senior section,
Something I thought I'd never do.

It's not that I don't love you,
But I'm up against a wall,
For to wear you once again
Would mean a nasty fall.

I still dream of wearing you,
But to flats I am bound,
For they're the only shoes I trust
To keep me firmly on the ground.

So much thrown at me,
And up against a wall
I feel like I've spent my life,
Playing a game of dodgeball.

Something thrown from the left,
So I dodge to the right.
Trying to keep from getting hit
Has been a constant fight.

Occasionally, I am blindsided
And hit square in the face,
But I know I can't quit playing,
So I pick up the pace!

Sometimes it really hurts
And leaves quite a bruise,
But I keep right on dodging
Because I don't want to lose.

But now that I've gotten older,
I understand the game a little more.
Keeping your eye on the ball is wiser
Rather than trying to watch the score.

Now that I'm an accomplished player,
I can give good advice to you all.
Keep dodging to the right or left,
But never lose sight of the ball!