The lights flicker.

My body lies still.

The wind howls

And a branch is breaking

The rain is silent,

Even though it’s falling

Beating down on the roof.

My body lies still.

I pull the covers over my head

It’s warm and safe,

But hard to breathe.

Still, I stay under.

A storm is coming

And I am ready.

It’s silent as I cry.

And I lie here waiting.

I fall asleep,

But when I wake up

I am floating away

And my body lies still.

Surrounded by water,

I lie on my back

Still and content

And floating away.

My hand reaches up.

The light shines bright.

I am lifted up

And flying away.

I haven’t sat up in three years,

Yet here I am,

Standing on my own

With a light holding me up.

Warm water rushes under my feet

With one step

I am out of harm’s way

And I stand still.

My eyes drift up,

Mouths move back and forth

Then I am left standing

Looking down at the cruel world beneath me.

I am no longer with them

struggling for air.

I am free.