As I Lay Dying

Graduation. Such a great day. So wonderful to be alive. Dad hands me a special delivery letter. Opening it, I read, "Greetings from the President..." Now I'm half a world away, Trying to move silently Through the heavy undergrowth With the five other guys on my team. From nowhere come fireflies blinking; Surrounding us on all sides. How strange, I think, In the middle of the afternoon. A rude shove in the back. I look at my teammates And silently wonder "Who punched me?" Asking myself, "Why do I feel so wet?" Not raining. The sun is shining. Suddenly feeling very tired and weak; Unable to stand. As I slowly sink to the ground A loud roar engulfs me; All the colors of the jungle and sky Swirl about me. On the ground, I notice The temperature becomes icy; The world grows silent And the swirling colors fade into darkness... As I lay dying.