Exhale

                Rosalind Evers

I saw myself

A dead woman walked

Sentenced by decisions of rejection

A thick partition separated and divided

Imprisoned in anger

Shackled by the memories of

Failed relationships

Held captive to the words of

Many placed in high regard

Heart seared repeatedly

A thick cloud - the stench of

Burnt flesh loomed in the air

My mind was wrapped with a

Stifling turban, which tightened

With every move.

My sight was hindered by the

Multitude of shadows that swayed before me

Perceived images as real,

I attempted the embrace.

Vast nothingness filled my arms.

Another

Fetter of Disappointment engulfed me,

Loud clangs deafened my senses

Face covered with thick plastic

I gasped for air without reprieve

Vision - blurred

Gate - staggered

Hearing – impaired

The noises – the restraints – the blindness…

All were disturbed by the Voice.

“Rosalind.”

I was challenged to focus my attention on the Call.       

“Rosalind.”

I yearned for freedom for so long.

“Rosalind.”

The hysteria so great…

From a sheath beneath His long garment,

He withdraw a spectacular sword

That glistened and gleamed from the

Light within Him.

He RAN TOWARD ME with weapon poised,

Aimed at m…

My screams

My poundings

My stomps

Thoughts of "another approached with harmful intent"

I had determined, “No more!”

Fear and deep anxiety overtook my senses

Fury. Frenzy. 

My heart failed – cardiac arrest

With the precise pressure of a skilled surgeon

He punctured the plastic sheet that

Suffocated

He relieved me of the garment that

Held me captive

Released the barriers

 “Breath!

Breath!”

He commanded!

He placed His mouth over mouth.

Chest compressed - repetition

Coughed – gasped

Inhale

Fresh air

Resuscitation

With the warmth of his hand,

He stroked my weary limps,

Calmed my trembling,

Bared His shoulder for my tears

With stability,

He rocked me and hummed a

Reassuring melody. 

As He held me tightly, He whispered,

“I will never leave you.

I CAN BE

TRUSTED.”

Tenderly, He wiped the sweat from my brow.

Kissed my cheek

I relaxed and

Exhaled.