Upon Those Darkened Waters

A poem about being alone.

This is my response to day 30 of the Halls of Pandemonium writing challenge. Today’s prompt was to write a poem or story from the point-of-view of someone dying and about to draw their last breath.

I’m fine, by the way. More than fine actually. I have a good job, a loving and supportive family, and the best wife anyone could ask for. I’m in therapy and on meds and have been for a while now. I’m comfortable in the darkness and I go there in my writing, but my work is not a cry for help. I appreciate those of you who have asked after my mental health. Your kindness and compassion touch my heart. But truly: I’m good.

I cut myself open
So you could watch
Me bleed

Let you see every secret
part of me, every
unholy mark on my being

Gave to you all of that
which makes me
wretched thing I am

I only ever asked you this:
Don't leave me.
Be there when I sleep, when I wake

Now I stand upon the shore
Of that ever-black sea
And the waves are crashing in

You are not here.
My hand reaches out to nothing.
My cries fall upon silence.

I am alone in that time
When a companion is most needed
I don't need to die
To know what death is

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Thank you, and I look forward to sharing more of my work with you.