The Scene Poem by Imaanah Saleem

The entire world is like a tunnel, and there is light up ahead.
It flashes color like those of a disco ball; only this is not that sort of setting;
Not that kind of party.

No one's happy tonight.

The flashing headlights above the stage inside of a dark auditorium shines on the scene for the show that is more real for some.
It's the story of a love lost.

But out here,

Where the streets are quiet—

It's the story of a life mis-taken.

The rising and falling of vision to those floating lights tells of uncertainties.
Closer and closer.
Feet does not stop.
Closer and closer.
And neither does life.

Mistaken is the idea that it ends after we do.
Life is a circle.
Forever whirling.
And while some trials may seem too heavy to bear.
Death is not the answer.

Though it seems to be for some.

It comes closer,
With every given step.
Questions fly like the dirt in the breeze.
Closer.
And now,
It's all clear.

A rose placed down for every fallen tear.

The world does not end.
It begins a new series of grievance for those standing by those fallen.
A new series of trials for those moving on;
Those who will be missed.

Taken by their own hands,
Because they wanted an out,
But every door leading out—
Is a way in…