Seemingly, Knowingly

Seemingly, there are hundreds of indestructible smiles.

Seemingly, there are thousands of friendly, hushed glances between two lovers from across the room.

Seemingly, there are millions of happy faces, drowning in a pool of laughter due to the comedian’s punch line.

Seemingly, there are billions of problem free lives.

Knowingly, there is one helpless, detached soul. And I, nearby, have the inability to remove the firm, toxic grip being held on his shattered, exposed heart.

His tear drops burn through my flesh, like a bullet being shot through the feathers of a pillow.

He pants, breaths growing short, quickening into a hyperventilating state.

“Why?” he screams, while gasping through the seemingly arid air. “Why?”

I watch, knowing my embrace won’t ease his pain, nor will my words.

I cry, knowing I cannot help.

I feel like I’ve died, knowing he wishes I could.

All I can mutter is ”Breathe, father. Please breathe.”

The rest of my message is conveyed from my minds vocal chords.
Inhale deeply as if you’re trying to smell the salt in the ocean which flows millions of miles away.

Breathe.

Breathe.

Look up to the sky, and with a solid, intense stare, watch the clouds move.

Breathe.

Breathe.

Close your eyes to see pitch black and let your ears wander.

Breathe.

Breathe.
Feel the soft, autumn colored hairs of the purring cat vibrate aganinst your fingers.
Breathe.
Breathe.

Breathe.
Breathe.
Feel the beating of your heart settle down as it goes from hammering against your chest to softly knocking.

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?
Eased.