I Am Tethered Poem by RAJ VIKRAM

I am tethered.

Tethered to a pole that
ran deep and high
with chains that bruised
I longed to cruise
But to no avail.

I ran and ran but only
reached where I started.
The more I wished to move away
The tighter the tethering became
I was bleeding as chains
brutally bruised me.

I didn't know that I
was being drained of life
I kept on running around
the static pole which
seemed to symbolize
the stagnation which pervaded.

More troubles were teething
as tethering became tighter
to an extent that it could
never be loosened
But like a man possessed
I ran furiously around and around.

Culpability is upon me
I mistook transience for
permanence and tranquillity
I allowed myself to be tethered
to this pole that looked
anything but prohibitive then.

How quickly moments changed
And now my movements
are revolutions around this pole
The longer I revolve
the greater I am drained.

Now I have ceased to look
at the spot where I am tethered
I know I will shudder if I look.
I will keep running
And will increase my
Circumference so that
I can get away from the pole.

I know I would not be away
once and for all
But at least I can believe
I am trying I am running
That I am moving.

Let the string that tethers me
elongate and let it loosen
I know it won't break
But I wish if I can run on
on and on till the last drop
of blood leaves my veins.

I know I am tethered
I know I can't get away
But I won't yield for a moment
I would go on till last gasp
Yes I know I am tethered.