By: Rachel McDonald
Comfortably warm on a midsummer day;
spent together in beautiful bliss.
The ecstasy of night
couldn’t predict the devastation.
You asked me to marry you.
My breath caught;
I choked out
*bewildered reply*
We hugged and kissed.
The clock ticked:
five a.m.
Made love
five or six times.
Beauty was blinding.
Still groggy from the wine,
if only I’d taken more time:
decided not to drive, but
I had finals at nine.
Going down the road:
still feel the buzz
from the night before.
Finished celebrating only hours ago.
Last thought before I lost control.
Can’t picture last night anymore.
*Strobing lights*
*Red and white*
*Sirens*
*Blinking* Concentrate.
The Jaws of Life
pull open my car.
Who’s inside?
Is that me in the car?
*Begging assistance*
Unseeing eyes focus on
the task at hand.
*Overhearing medics*
“She’s not expected to live.”
Hospital. Parents on the sofa.
Nondescript waiting room.
You are here.
They’re talking to the doctor.
*Crying*
It must have been me.
You hit the wall screaming
*running to comfort you*
I can’t.
“I’m here! I’m okay! I don’t want to die!”
Someone catches my eye.
They hear me.
My grandparents:
illuminated by bliss
*reach out their hands*
Abyss.
Maybe there’s still a chance for me.
That’s not the case:
they’ll lead me to a better place.
Machine next to my body
*a familiar sound*
Flat lined.
Over is my time.
Time for me to leave into the abyss.
Determined to give you one last kiss.
*whispering into your ear*
“I am sorry.”
*Leaning over*
*Kissing your lips*
You look startled.
You touch your lips.
I look into your eyes
for the last time.
“Good-bye.”
Edited by Blair Hill