Death’s Approach

Andrew Bircher

 

Looking down into the darkness of the tunnel-like well I hear a low groan. I cover my ears trying to block the sound stop the pain. What is this pain from? I cannot tell for sure. I’m too confused to know anything for certain. Slowly, gently, I lean onto the well, leaning further and further closing my eyes waiting for death’s harsh grasp around my throat to finally tear me down but why does it not? I feel the frightful sensation of a never-ending freefall- where is the bottom how much farther until the end? What awaits below? Is it a peer stop ready to shatter the very bones of this cowardice being? Is it something ready to devour or dispose of my carcass? I feel cold steel against my skull- is it time? I feel the cold touch of death approaching quickly. I hear it breathing lightly the warm moisture from the air-vapor leaving its being on my shoulder. Starting to sweat, closer and closer creeping up behind. I can’t move- why is it I’m still here? Why is it taking so much time- am I alive or dead- I do not know anymore. I feel cold but warm, scared but calm. What is to happen to me now? Farther and farther I fall. I can now see the beast its teeth baring heavily, blood stains on its teeth and lips reaching out for me but vanishing just out of reach. I keep falling into the darkness looking for a light or friendly face. Fear growing back into my heart. I hear a voice sweet and gentle- so harmonic it cannot possibly be an average human- but where is the girl’s voice coming from? I feel blind, unable to see anything and as I listen silently, it has a warm soothing sensation to it.