Elegy

By Tess Stoops (Gilbert Noel)


"Hey!"
I step in his direction remembering
the last time i had approached him.
Nine years ago.
Before I knew anything of loss.
He beckons to me.
I advance, confident now.

I'm close enough to smell him.
A musky mildewed haze.
I slow, but cannot stop.
His brown eyes begin to glow red.
The floor opens up, fire pouring in every direction.

they found me.
My body is being swallowed up by the burning floorboards.
I dare not call for help.
They finally got me.
I guess I always knew. They've been searching nine years.
I should have died. Not you.In this vast emptiness
I feel suffocated.
　Shadows lay like brick walls on my shoulders,
fear slows me, crushing me with its violent waves.
　Agoraphobia is a curse.
I roam the deserted building,
searching for someone
　who no longer walks thes paths.
Listening to the haunting footsteps,
echoing off the walls.
Whispering a name
to the vacant ceiling far above.

I hear the demons.
They are always out to get me.
They'll never search in here.

I see what must be a mirage
my overworked mind has conjured his being
　across the room.

Leaning against the far pillar,
with his childish grin
　and messy blonde hair.
"Hey, Tess," he calls.