The Nearest Exit

The Exit …

… discarding memories,
suffocating in nostalgia’s throttling grip,

I flee, moment by moment,
away from the now,

seeking, yearning,

chasing phantom clouds of promise,

coveting shrouded whispers of hope,

seducing empty vessels of belonging,

I flee, moment by moment,
away from the now,

seeking, yearning,

lost, alone, torn,

slowly crawling to the nearest exit

Then, Now.

Then, Now…

Then –

Promises,
dreams,
hopes,

love.

Life. Alive,

breathing hopeful sighs.

Now –

Desolation,
regret,
guilt,

pain.

Alive. Living,

exhaling exhausted breaths.

Then. Now.