between the hands of time
suicidal ideation
marking the hours until
death’s emancipation
there’s method to the rapture
a flashing blade is all you need

but wouldn’t you rather feel pain
than to be nothing at all
feel the anatomy of lungs
your swelling ribs in the rain
each lovesick gasp unweaned
present & phosphorescent

are love & afterlife a con
oblivion what you really seek
a stranger to this world
huffing on fumes of disbelief
a stranger to this world
can choose to flee it yet

but wouldn’t you rather be pain
than to feel nothing at all
the testimony of lungs
swelling bone cage in the rain
& may all your love & fears be known
all hopeful phosphorescence