A Cruel Calm Poem by Shuaib Saifi

A sudden, deepest pain invades my chest,
Rising within me like a roaring storm;
My breath grows fast, heart bereft of rest,
While cold unrest consumes my tortured form.

My cheeks turn pale, lips are parched and dried,
As all my thoughts are pulled into the dark;
Heavy lids fall close, the world to hide,
While terror stamps my brow and leaves its mark.

Oh, it appears these cruel hours break my will,
Compelling me to rest for evermore;
Yet in the dark, I claim my smile still,
Though these last hours are wild and deeply sore.

I feel this journey's thread is finally done,
And I must leave now for the final one.