Together We Ran

You took my hand and together we ran
Away from them,
With their words
And glances
Laced with venom.

Outside the house we hesitated.
The street stretched for miles either way.
You pulled me left, and away we ran,
Down roads slippery with ice as
Clear as your smile.

At the station we waited for the next train
Not caring where it would take us.
Our breath froze on the evening air
formed droplets of silver in the biting darkness.

The train was warm, lethargic.
I felt underdressed, dirty,
In its surgical cleanliness.
It glided south, in search
Of warmth and hope.

My nose pushed against the glass was cold.
I watched the glimmering lights slip past.
Wondered at those worrying at home.
You laughed as I breathed on the cold glass,
Wrote messages with unfeeling fingertips.

The station we found was cold, empty.
The city stretched away around us,
Unfeeling, unknowing.
I pushed my hand in yours, walked close,
Seeking comfort from your warmth.

We left the lights behind us,
Found the suburbs, the sleeping houses,
So like those at home.
My feet ached as we wandered onwards,
And I couldn’t shake off the stab of guilt.

The train home was warm and bustling.
I turned on my phone, found frantic messages,
Missed calls. I phoned home,
Heard the soothing voices awaiting me.

Outside the house we hesitated
The street stretched for miles either way.
Stood in the cold,
Found the courage to come home.