Shallow breaths

Hiss through my teeth
Whimpers fill the air
Like a wounded animal

The weight crushes my chest
Powerful and
Strong
Nothing can save me now

Doctor’s fingers probe
Gentle
Rough
Dull pain
Vibrates
Through my body

Fingers numb
Like frostbite
Creeping slowly
Up my hands

I am burning
I am fire
Tongues of flames erupt
Hell’s gate opens wide

My back arches
Pain explodes
Spreading like leaves
On a windy day
Draining my strength

My heart beats hard
Against my chest
Like a frightened sparrow
Flapping its wings
Feathery
Light
Yet harsh
Struggling to be free

Finally, at last
The torture is almost over
The pain subsides
Sounds around me
Steps of the nurse
Whispers
Of
My
Loved
Ones
Grow faint

Receding,
Fading
Slowly into darkness

Though my body stays below
My soul lifts
Higher and
Higher
To a place where angels sing

A cracking resounds
Across the sky
The golden gate opens wide
Soon I will make my confession

Terror
Fierce and
Dark
Ripples through my soul.