The Witness

A snapshot emblazoned, red hot and tortuous,

In a stillness, surreal and timeless,

Inept and floundering,

I watch.

 

Life’s essence drips guiltily from her fingers,

The scent of fear saturates the room,

Powerless to help,

I watch.

 

Her battered body barely visible beneath the sheets,

Lays emaciated, discoloured and decomposing,

Horrified,

I watch.

 

Agony palpable in her eyes,

Pain in every wretched breath,

Desperately,

I watch.

Time is suspended precariously,

Silently I plead for her,

Frozen,

I watch.

 

She will never speak to me now,

Unanswered questions rattle my brain,

Angrily,

I watch.

 

Emotion’s arms mercilessly squeeze my throat and I struggle to breathe,

My legs are attempting to flee while my heart presents its case,

Defeated,

I watch.

 

An image eternally seared into my memory,

As death’s putrid cloak envelops,

Exhausted,

I close my eyes.

But still I watch