Within

By Auriah Jordan-Smith

I once thought death could be beautiful

the wilting of flowers a specific comforting scent

peace in your final breath

the wind calling your name, beckoning

some kind of poetic dream

but really, it tears you apart

agony

limb for limb

blood

           drip

                    ping

until there is nothing of you

ripped up like a letter never sent

I will never forget the sorrow I carry

I am unable

It clings to me as a baby chimp to his mother

a backpack

                    of bricks

at the end of my life

I am sure I will limp

for the weight of everyone I’ve ever known

will exist

within

By Auriah Jordan-Smith