The light beams in as I sprint toward the cave entrance,
my feet pounding against the cold, damp ground
I hear echoes behind me,
but rather than strain my ears to measure their proximity,
I outstretch my hands.
The sunlight is a warm comfort, yet burns against my skin
as my awareness is captured
by visions of the world, the truth, and love
My arm grows cold once again
as a darkness grabs and tugs.
A shadow.
Their quiet voices are familiar,
and the light recedes as I am dragged back in,
my hands trying to clutch the cold, damp walls.
Rather than strain my voice to cry out,
I listen to an angel say, “One day you will be like me.”