Gilly Flower Writings

Solitude of the Saved

By Kathryn Evans

I stand at the cliff edge

and overlook a sea of black.

Behind me the world thrives and sings,

before me are shadows and tears.

So easy to turn my heel, step into the light.

But the shadows call, alluring with their mystery.

The rocks crumble beneath me,

bringing me ever closer to the edge.

Seduction by the unknown

tempts me and beckons me forward.

I close my eyes and try to breathe,

try to feel the wind, try to feel the world again.

Yet the precipice beckons

and I feel myself slipping away.

Can’t look back, can’t weaken,

can’t admit fear.

One step and I feel myself falling,

plunging into shadows, falling towards the dark.

The cold envelops,

choking breath, choking life.

Thoughts begin to fade,

all I know is cold and shadows.

Then I feel the light again,

arms around my waist drag me from that darkened world.

Sunlight returns and I feel myself choke,

this time on life and sobs of joy.

I clutch the warm arms around my waist and look to my rescuer

but as soon as my eyes reach your face you are gone.

Vanished like the mist.

And again the cold of solitude grips my heart.