Serenity

Wandering the darkest forest,
clutching a small candle
-molten to its core-
yet somehow, undying.

Faint light guiding
a narrow path; difficult trek.
She's not giving in
-pulling forward . . the fire pulls her forward.

Behind her,
dark tugs at her heels.
"Look back. Only for a . . . -"

"No! Not even a glimpse,
emptiness will consume you."

Loneliness grasps her fragile hand;
a child, following so close.
The candlelight strains,
against raging shadows.

Obscure clouds of unreason
expose haunted, distant visions,
as grays envelop her paradise.
Chaotic thoughts - they tire her.

Realization hits:
One thousand pounds of lead
balancing on her shoulders.
Feet drag on - every step faltering.
[Never stopping]

Rain escapes
through velvet skies.
Gentle waters
threaten to devour the fire.

Soothing drops dance,
bruise her moon-paled skin.
Just a few more steps-
cyanide slithering down her throat.

The child; he grips tighter,
"Why fight? Are you not weary?
Let the fire drown.
Surrender, you shall see -
serenity will comfort you."

Fingers loosen around the candle,
molten to its core.
Now extinguished. Useless.
[A smile plays across his face].
She escapes deeper into the black forest . . .

. . . Serene.

2007.