Manhunt

I fear the hunter's after me,
I must get quickly to that tree,
In the shadows I'll be free,
          Far from the fire.

The hunter now comes into sight,
It seems that I was all too right,
Into my legs I throw my might,
          The threat is dire.

Now I'm running really fast,
The other players stand aghast,
My strength is fading-one more blast,
          I cannot tire.

Finally I reach the dark,
And grasp for handholds on the bark,
From here I see the fire's spark-
          -ling, blazing spire.

I pull myself into the leaves,
I think the tagger still believes
I'm on the ground; my body heaves
          In leafy bier. 

The hunter comes and looks around,
I'm pretty sure I've been unfound,
He jogs away; I hit the ground,
          And dodge a mire.

Now the hunter's off my tail:
I've once again evaded jail!
I sprint across a forest trail,
          My spirits higher.

Thus we play that hallowed game,
Nocturnal tag-Manhunt by name,
Scratched and bruised and glad we came,
          Unto the fire.