Tonight it seems as though I’ve returned,
To pages unfinished, a lesson not yet learned.
In a flash my eyes are opened,
Frantically searching for peace.

Begging my heart to slow its pace,
Willing my lungs to breathe.
I wrench my hands from their grip on the blanket,
Unsure still of where to reach.

Although I sit in a silent room safe,
My reality remains unchanged
With simply a blink I’m back in that place
Fighting with all of my strength yet still chained.

Feeling their grip on my body,
My fear too strong to fight.
Hearing those words ring still in my ears,
“Be difficult and you’ll die.”

Their laughter haunts my memory,
Some sick joke I guess.
As I start drifting yet again,
Into that circle of unrest.

-Marie
02/20/2008