The Ways

I've seen what empty space could do,

the way it creeps from every direction

to diminish everything in its grasp,

existing as my only friend

while my world collapses in

on itself,

not with a bang,

not with a whimper,

just: silence.

I've seen what distance could do,

the way stars twinkle excessively

in the cold expanse of a darkness

that consumes,

threatens to inhale me,

to toss me amid the nothingness like dust

swimming to stars that have died ages ago,

but alas,

the light years are a painfully

long way to exchange love letters.

I've seen what storms could do,

the way they shred asunder

homes like human skin

until they vanish into the empty air,

leaving me to watch as the girl I love

sheds tears more dreadful

than the rain of the storm,

while all I can do

is blink.

And I've seen what fear can do,

the way trepidation claws at intellectuals

like a cat pursuing a mouse,

but fear is the one thing

I acknowledge no longer:

for I've seen far too much terror

that it's become commonplace,

for what is there to fear

when death has no swing

and life has lost its touch?

Author's Note

Photo courtesy of dirtydeadrttn of Deviant Art (click the link for more stunning pieces!)

Reviews

[Frieda P]

Brutally poignant...you got right to the nitty gritty of it with this one Tai, no roundabout maneuvers, you nailed it to the wall and took ownership, I wish I knew how to get beyond that place of fear, sounds like a nice place to linger, even in its sad proclivities. Great read.

[Tai Ryens]

Perhaps the apparent lack of fear is foreshadowing to more psychological problems that exist within that individual? I still believe fear is a part of what makes us human, after all, but what do I know? Thanks, Frieda!

[Frieda P]

Fear is certainly an unpleasant emotion, especially when it's irrational, it can
change our behavior for the most part even when it's only our perception of a danger, our response can alter life situations. Most welcome Tai!

[Baby Ricochet]

Great existential piece Tai. You still got it.

[Tai Ryens]

It means a lot coming from you, Baby R, thanks muchly!

[Kinau]

This is a very enjoyable piece! It speaks to me of the vastness of all existence, and the futilities of humanity. It seems to also express a sour brokenness, but also a consuming cold. It poses interesting thoughts of the brutal neutrality of all that is.
Thanks for writing!

[Tai Ryens]

Thank you, Kinau! Sour brokenness is what I was going after