'My Last Night' by Rachel McDonald

“My Last Night”           
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