186 Seconds

This was not my first choice.

I can see the light mottled by movement. It is like stained glass,

with its murky greens and tints of blue, the thick black lines cutting

twisting throughout. Framing, dividing, casting its shadows at as I

watch and wait. Time is running up, I need to head out. I’m late-

There is somewhere I have to be, but I’m too far away to make it

in time. My three minute grace period is up. I’m finished, and they

will have to fish my free floating form from the depths of this lake.

Maybe they will have to shoot canon balls dredge my remains.

Attempting to swim free of these frighteningly calm waters, dying

hurts. Drowning wasn’t my first choice.

Skin pale like light filtered through water.

I am clammy, wet, and chilled to the bone,

But I’m alive. Covered in a cold sweat,

gasping, shaking. But

I am alive.