A Stark Reminder

[kiramori]

I have this recurring dream.

Slumped, motionless,

Languished in the deep dark,

Enthralled by moving shapes.

And above me, a spark.

Behind me, standing guard,

A face that never grins—

A demeanor, cold and hard.

Anguish and desperation,

Misery and a piercing sensation.

Warm, flowing blood,

And a memory of someone.

Commandingly, they utter,

"Recite," they cast;

Yet I could only shudder,

For today may be my last.

[...]

Suddenly, I’m awoken,

Pain engraved in my bones.

The nightmare fades,

No more shadows—gone.

In despair, I stir

Trapped, motionless,

Languished in blinding lights,

Appalled by glaring eyes.

Beeping machines hum low,

A rhythm I’ve come to know.

The clinical smell stings,

A reminder of fragile things.

The room, annoyingly stark,

And beside me, standing guard,

A face that always grins—

In bedding, sterile and hard.

The spark, long faded.

"Smile," they cast;

Yet I can only wonder

Whether today will be my last.