Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty

...

She dangles limply.

You hold her close.

Clasp her tightly,

Don't let go.

…

Sorry, honey, but she won't speak.

Sorry, honey, for the tear stains on her cheek.

Brush her hair back from her face.

Fix it, hurry, in its rightful place.

…

Gaze blank and unwavering.

Seeing.

Never feeling.

Every aching gasp, another hit.

Trying… trying…

She's empty, don't you get it?

Air comes, it goes.

Try as she might,

Air won't satisfy that hole.

…

She doesn't know how to live again,

Isn't sure she wants to.

It's an obligation, now, though.

Can't give up, that's all she knows.

…

Hear that door softly shut.

She stays there.

Arms swaying.

Breathing.

It isn't enough.

…

Her finger twitches.

Is it your imagination?

A muscle spasm?

It couldn't possibly be…

It isn't.

…Is she finally free?

Nothing's different.

Soon she'll be smiling…

Not today.

…Maybe…

This isn't the end.

I'll be okay.