threshold

the freezin water embraced my body
liquid coffin of exquisite pain
teeth chattered in violent tremors
as I slipped into the dark pool

my body shakes
waves vibratin thru my arms and chest
a harsh reminder that I am human
and wasn’t built to endure

I inhaled one deliberate breath
before slidin beneath the surface
waitin for the burnin to begin
for existence to end

my consciousness drifts
as moonlights dances across the world above
I close my eyes against its beauty
pushin myself beyond reasonable limits

the pressure builds
head spinnin wildly
as my chest convulses
screamin for the air I deny it

and then…
the voices

a demonic choir callin from beyond
vivid pictures flashin behind my eyelids
blood and death
eternal screams of the forsaken

hell’s flames reachin thru the water
not to consume but to console
soothin my soul with a familiar heat
inferno offer of sanctuary

I feel my heartbeat deceleratin
each pulse growin fainter
as I surrender to the silence
driftin thru a peaceful darkness

boundary between worlds thinnin
life separatin from my form
teeterin on oblivion’s edge
voices welcomin me home

my hand reaches out
as the fire in my lungs betrays my surrender
I burst thru the water
gaspin and chokin violently

reality floodin back
with unwelcome clarity
the otherworld recedes
leavin me stranded once more

well fuck