#141 Poem by Chris Todd, Jr.

Blackened are the skies that hang above me. Grim are the faces that stand before me. Not a smiling face will meet me; life seems fleeting, like a leaf caught in the wind, suspended in time. The path is long and winding and it seems if time is standing still as I stare into these skies, my eyes show empty and hollow as I’m about to meet my fate. I feel no remorse or compassion, in my eyes, I’ve done nothing wrong. The air is electric, but no light shines here, you’re all gathered here to watch me fall, how I wish not to disappoint you. When I die, you’ll laugh and you’ll smile as you make me a martyr; so let me escape, just one more time from reality. In this space, my peace, just let me be, this Elysium field will run forever. Let me stand one last time and breathe the air so free, and stand and gaze into the sky one last time, I feel it’s time to die as the rope tightens around my neck, I can see you all as you cheer on my demise, oh how weak you are, when will you open your eyes? When will you see the real light? It doesn’t matter now, the noose is tied tight, I can hardly breathe, my breath is scare and escaping and the door opens and I dropp and hang in the wind. Twisting and turning I see the darkness of death encroaching, you’re all fading away, and I know Death will soon be here, so just let me be, in my Elysium fields, I will run forever…