Stairways and Fire Escapes

He walked down the hallway to himself
With just a flashlight and destiny
Clutched in his shaking fist
As he willed then not to breathe
But the trail of footprints
Just lead back where he'd already been

As he stared into the darkened mirror
He saw himself as he really was
One foot over the edge
Playing with poisoned pictures
Of ragdolls and giants.