Going Dark

            To escape from pursuers 
I flee to the car, 
gun the gas down the highway. 
            They’re on my tail. 
            I flick the car light off, 
go dark until the fear 
of barrowpits and traffic 
overtakes me. 
            I flick the lights again 
to find my way, 
passing through the darkness. 
            Red tail lights finally appear 
for me to follow 
and fear of this midnight eases 
but not fast enough 
to elude the blackness. 
            I must pass, veer in the darkness 
and this time, stay dark, 
what’s ahead or peripheral 
the lesser fear, what’s behind 
in the shadow’s shadow 
I must face, swallowing the pain, 
going dark, 
staying dark, 
until the darkness 
finally rescues me.