Merciless

Sometimes I forget that I’m holding my breath, the reason why; until I begin to suffocate. My chest begins to burn, my vision un-tethered to the spectrum slung toward it. All I can see is a silhouette. It looks like you walking through the door; holding everything you took with you that night when you said you had to go, but would never forget the beat of my heart. You’re holding it in your hands. It’s writhing, and fighting to get loose; but your nails dig in until blood spatters its way out of my mouth. "I’m back." you say. And I gasp, taking in the violent rush of air, that I had forgotten was there. …now, unbridled and erratic, unable to cope with your form. I never thought I’d see you again. But there you are. Standing in the doorway. Ready to finish it. -James Kelley 2014, All rights reserved.