I strain my ears at every sound br As I flee from Masters vast estate br I dare not walk upon the road- br must not be seen, alone, this late. br br br I hear the baying of his hounds br My absence has been noted there br Men with torches, men with guns, br My soul freezes me with fear. br br br I am the fox, his are the hounds br that I must run a desperate race br To fail is to be chained and whipped br Then sold – a horrid fate I face br br br The dogs grow close, but the river's near br I leap and overcome my fear. br The water will disguise my scent br With swift strong stokes I'll soon be clear br br With joy I hear the hounds, confused, br barking, helpless, and at bay. br But master gets me in his sights br And sets me free another way. br br I awaken from sleep with a start. br One nightmare stops, the next begins br I shower, shave and dress for work br and wonder if it ever ends.. br br br br br John F.