Paint Stains

When the girl clutches his hand

He feels some of his fear ease

And promises to return

So she wishes him luck

Kisses him goodbye

And slowly turns to take her leave

***

When the corral gate opens

I feel the breath leave my body in a rush

I start running, my feet pounding against the gravel

All I hear is the sound of my rapid footfalls

And the blood that rushes through me, pulsing in my eardrums

But I know the crowd roars

Because not too long ago

I was a part of it, my body free of fear

A few moments pass

Or perhaps hours, I cannot tell which

When suddenly another sound pierces my mental silence

Gusts of breath

And falling hooves fill the wretched air-

***

When the crowd lets out another roar

The girl glances up

It's a commotion at first

Nothing makes sense

But when the flurries of dust part and settle once more-

Red paint stains the cobblestones below