Soft gentle warmth
Dancing between my fingertips
Like a sweet playful child.

Beautiful hope and
Sweet serenity woven
Together inside my soul.

Colors in my mind suddenly
Faded; cracked like long
Forgotten children's paint.

Breath inside my lungs
Becoming too thin;
I cannot breathe.

My eyes hiding the terror
Sewn carelessly into my mind
By life's rusted needle.

Maniacal whispers ringing
Violently between my ears
Like an unforgiving church bell.

Ding.
Ding.
Ding.

Empty words of false love
Wrapped around my throat
Choking me with a Giants grip.

I'm ok.
Thanks for asking.
I love you too.

-ARI