Up The Hill

I ran up the hill before the others could follow.
I held onto the leash connected to my dog.
He kept me going. It’s the only way I could get up
without feeling the air escape from my lungs.
It gave me time to move forward without thinking. 
We passed families carrying down Christmas trees,
I leaned against the side of the path.
I refused to give in to the lack of oxygen,
not until I had time to get it back, 
not until I was at the top.
We round the bend.
I collapse (sit) on a dirt hill. 
My lungs struggle to find air. I smile.
I made it to the top and now I can rest.