and it was gone just like that

like a weight off my shoulders,
like escape from certain death,
like running away without a
worry

it was gone just like that

with a handshake,
a smile,
and five steps
out the
door

I was a new man

fresh,
reborn,
free

unknowing of what
had happened in the
mean time

it is impossible to come
back from death without
collateral

what hallow husk
am I trying to bring back
now?