Halt

A poem about savouring the moments before they are too far gone.

Halt,
For just one moment,
Feel the breeze, the way it tangles your hair,
Feel the sun, soft fire against your skin,
Watch the clouds swallow the light,
See the trees bend, dancing in the wind,
Hear the birds, chirping widely,
Hear the footsteps, chatter passing by.

Halt,
For just one moment,
Feel what you’re feeling:
The tears racing down your cheek,
The salt lingering on your tongue,
The sobs escaping the cage you put around your chest,
The thumping of your heart in protest, pounding against your ear

Halt,
For just one moment,
Hear the machines -
Rushed beeps that fracture the thick silence,
Hear the doctors rushing in, voices blurring together.
See the ones you love in the corner,
Faces carved with sorrow,
Taste the iron on your tongue,
Taste the guilt of what’s done,
Feel the crushing weight of regret,
The ache of remorse.

Halt,
For just one moment,
Reaching forward with all your strength,
You try to hold on,
You pray, for one moment, just one moment,
To draw a glimmering thread of hope.
Watch for a moment as the machines slow,
The sparkle returning to your family’s eyes.

Halt,
For just one moment more.
You are too far gone.