The Reaping

I feel death

upon my chest

in heavy rise

breaths

begging to be taken in deeply

“Go not elsewhere.

Fall deeply in my bed.

For here you may rest

in discomfort

until your peaceful surrender.”

Closed eyes and furrowed brows

tears that flow

like fevers rise in riptides

She told me to stay in bed

for one day

Then to rise like the sun

in rebirth

I am heavy in death

upon my chest

In curtains of hurt that remind me

of how deeply and foolishly I love.

I am reminded how

from the sea to surface

my strength,

while plunged below

is bound to break through.