One Step Behind

It shows up
and spirals
and I want to catch it
but I would burn my hands
off
so I leap out of its path
and watch
amazed
while someone else grabs it
and I feel sorry for them
at first
but then they throw it away
proud
because they know that
the real trophy
is their
burned hands.


......and I would have done it,
too,
if only I would have known........
(doubt doubt doubt doubt doubt)