I cannot see in the darkness

It pains me –

The poison in my veins.

I feel my clockwork heart –

and fear its end.

---

Like vines on glass windows,

blocking sunlight,

It smothers.

Choking, seeing only darkness in my wake –

---

Invincibility does not exist.

Mighty stone walls crumble.

Plants wilt, wither and die.

Metals rust, diamonds shatter.

---

I –

I feel love.

Its glow, its warmth. Gentleness,

like soft wind soothing scorched skin.

And even as the ticking

Counts the last few beats for me,

I close my eyes and

I feel hope.