Freeze Tag

Rain splattering down,

Gluing leaves to the ground

Eyes darting, legs ready to run

There! The enemy!



Running, now, running away

Skidding on the rain-soaked pavement

The cold and the rain

Screaming to run,



Run, run, race on and on,

With the enemy just behind

Wind slaps again and again,

Need to rest, need to stop



Slip, slide, grabbing the wall,

Spin around, eyes wide

Silent in fear,

Silent in terror



But he has found another prey,

Racing off to catch her

He forgets about the wounded dove

Shivering in the shadows



“Help!” Her cry pierces the air,

She is caught by the enemy

Stay or go, help or hide?

“Please, help!” so help it is



Turn to run, turn to help,

The enemy is here!

His hands reaching out,

Trying to capture



Dodge, leap, miss the outstretched hand

Escape into the pouring rain,

The bitter wind,

The deadly cold



The enemy leans on the wall,

Breathing hard, hands clutched to his side

Never miss an opportunity!

Running, running, reach out a hand



And the girl is free

Free to run, and run she does

Running across the mud and grass,

Free at last, with her friends



Huddle together for warmth,

The enemy still resting

Safe for the moment,

Not for long- Run!



Scatter, flee, spread your wings and fly!

Just a few little birds on the wind,

But the enemy is coming,

Closer and closer and closer



Then he strikes!

Lashing out at the boy,

And he falls to the ground,

Slipping on the wet earth



Stop running, spin around,

There’s no question this time,

To stay is to abandon a friend

So run, run fast, faster than before



The enemy is there, waiting

Hands grasping at the braid

That is pulled out of his reach,

Still free, still alive



Whirl around like the wind,

Reach out and grab the boy’s hand

He is freed, now run!

The enemy is there, blocking our path



Behind him, they watch in silence,

Friends who cannot help

So run it is, run like always

Run one way, the boy running the other



The enemy turns, turns again,

Sees the boy escape to freedom

Run, he’s coming!

Too late



Standing still, frozen like a statue

Water pouring down from the sky,

Wind blowing across the field

But cannot move, cannot leave



Then a hand grabs mine,

The girl yells, “Run!”

So run, run, run, run!

The enemy follows, then falls



Falls onto the unforgiving earth

Falls onto the hard concrete

Falls onto the pavement slick with

Rain and mud and ice



Run, run, run!

Don’t run away now,

Just run forward

Run to the enemy



Reach out a hand,

Help him up,

Dust him off,

Then run away!



Laughing, now, in the rain

Smiling, now, in the wind

Playing in the cold

Together