Day 45: So Close

One arm in front of the other
I drag my body through the hallway
wincing in pain.
There are no ceiling lights--
the only light I have to use
is what's shining from the door
through which I've just escaped.
It is dim, but it's enough.
Each muscle in my arm works hard
to pull myself farther and farther
until I can just see the doorway
that is the object of my escape
and I am almost there.
The specks of gold on the knob glimmer
like it's the entrance way to heaven
begging me to come closer. 
Just one more pull 
And suddenly I am there,
reaching out to grab it with
my pale, fragile hands and pulling.
I hear footsteps behind me
and just like that I am back where I started.
At least I almost got a taste of freedom.