Sip by sip from the poisoned chalice she takes the dreaded drink
Knowing what it does but unable to stop
It’s like a fire burning out of control and this is kill or be killed
So she’s chosen to take chances with slow pain
Something tells her whispering in her ear that’s the only chance
Her hand quavers slightly as her smile shines
No one shall see and she is ready to crawl away hiding as it attacks
The fire is intense, powerful and consuming
As she decides to take the last of it at a glug knowing
Her last breath could come after this swallow
She lays down to sleep like the dead, be the dead ready now
And as she feels herself drifting
Watching herself from afar her acceptance is final
Her motto it is what it is ringing in her ears
Sees a tiny shrivelled part
Not a heart for she feels it beat louder and stronger than ever
To herself she advances picking up the knotted cord
As it collapses to dust on her fingers
The girl on the floor awakes and walks into her shadow as she hears
Welcome back welcome back lost one
But it tasted so bitter and it was poisoned she thinks
The voice replies this was your restorative like a cleansing pool
It was to wash you free of hurt
You have to feel to remove hurt and it is now dust
A fresh beginning is yours to take
Be as a Phoenix and rise strong but gentle as the healing waters
The past is gone, it is but dust.
Ailsa
©AilsaCawleyPoetry 2016
ailsacawley 