Rope-a-dope
Some how
the rope slipped out of my grasp
I see it snaking just ahead
but when I reach out
I can’t quite grab a hold
suddenly it’s gone
but there it reappears
slithering
t a n t a l i z i n g l y
making me lunge ahead
thru brambly grass
that stings my anxious arms
reaching out
always reaching
always just out of reach