The End

This is a response to the poem 'This is a Photograph of Me' by Margaret Atwood :)

This is a Photograph of Me �" Response

 

 

Unclenching my fist

the papers fall.

Letters explaining everything.

It’s two a.m. and I am alone in the dark

and once again, I find myself mesmerized

by the lakes beauty.

I can’t help but walk towards it;

the moon

shines brighter than the stars around it

demanding to be seen.

So beautiful, so pure.

The sheer white glow

reflects off of the lake,

dancing across the mirror-like surface;

creating a pathway.

 

Step by step. Breath by breath.

Every little movement

has to be precise

because one step out of line

and once again a changed mind.

These movements now feel routine,

because in my dreams,

I’ve walked this path

what feels like

a thousand times.

 

The water rises even higher.

 

Now standing chest deep,

my mind is set.

All I need is one more step.

 

With one final breath.

 

I slip beneath the surface.

I hold my breath,

the seconds drag by

and the beat of my heart

is louder than ever.

The water kisses my skin

burning it at the touch.

My limbs ache and tense

In protest, begging and pleading

to escape the torture.

I welcome the pain

with open arms,

reminding myself of what it feels like

to really be alive

for one last time.

 

My lungs scream in protest,

aching from the pressure,

wanting, needing the relief

only oxygen can bring.

Fighting as long as I can,

I open my mouth to scream.

The water fills my throat

encasing my lungs.

I close my eyes

and accept the darkness.

 

My thoughts drift back

to those crumpled up papers.

Somewhere in between

those torn up sheets

is a picture.

‘It was taken some time ago.

At first it seems to be

a smeared

print: blurred lines and grey flecks

blended with the paper;’

on the back,

written in messy black ink

“This is a photograph of me.”

Author's Note

This was written for my writing course I am currently taking. Please comment your opinions and any constructive criticism you may have.

Reviews

[JC]

Beautiful, dark...flows very nicely, brings the reader on a journey from beautiful nature visions to tense gripping emotional and physical pain. I enjoyed this tremendously, great job. One thing threw me off, about water encased the lungs, would denote the water on the outside of the lungs? maybe a word that explains water in the lungs?