by Allison Grayhurst

Dark swamp surrounding

extremities, the core.

Mass of gangrene hue,

dripping through each hairstrand

and eyelash.

I felt Death talking to me.

It said to relax

into its nullifying void, to break

apart and relinquish my authority.

Then God held out a hand and said

to hold that hand and heal my

hopelessness with faith.

God said to choose this hardship

or choose Death.

God said I will not give you a solution,

only this choice.

God said - I draw this in your reality.

I offer you no escape, I offer

only the rest of spiritual acceptance.

God said

and Death lost its final say.