step by step

abyss

like a shadow
the demons follow her
with shaky knees
she tries to escape
but as she stumbles
falling
her knees giving way
they laugh
a cruel, callous cackle
piercing through the silence

they watch
as her shoulders slump
unblinking hazel eyes left
bleak and lifeless
a detached gaze
devoid of emotion

the darkness
pulled her into an embrace
enveloping her senses
a heavy mist of
suffocating thoughts

she wallows in self pity
helpless cries echoing
through the frigid air
salty words escaping her
trembling lips

sharp breaths as her lungs falter
eyes widening
she feels the abyss
gnawing away
crawling towards her heart

her eyes flicker
a dying flame
as their grasp tightens
she exhales
her last breath

but her heart refuses
to stop
as the hollow whispers
haunt her mind and
every limb
a heartbeat continues
coursing hope,
promises of a
rising sun
through her veins

the whispers halt
but their presence
remains
hazel eyes blink
as she lets out
a breath of
solace

mental health vic. creative writing competition;
received a special mention
5/10/2015

dedicated to a lost friend. i miss you, and i hope you're doing okay.