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.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Espinola Collins Avatar
May 5, 2014 at 7:06 PM
Wow! That was powerful James... We'll done :) Ana
Kelley Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 5:27 AM
Glad you enjoyed the read Ana..Have a happy Mother's Day!
Sirak Avatar
May 5, 2014 at 8:53 AM
Brilliant! The yearning implied in just holding your breath, hoping and waiting.
Kelley Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 5:28 AM
Thanks! Happy Mother's Day!
Thajudeen Avatar
May 2, 2014 at 8:18 PM
Here comes mercy!
Kelley Avatar
May 2, 2014 at 9:08 PM
thanks..
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