I’ve become an island,
a frozen block of ice floating
on a stale sea, settled
in frigid immobility.

Beneath me, the dark
floor of watery graves bellows,
issuing its icy invitation.
Oh, to sink into oblivion!

Above me, a bruised sky
releases sorrows heavy, held
in violet-tinged storm clouds.
Heaven’s tears freeze.

Small surviving dreams
adhere to a shrinking soul inside,
aware they, too, will melt
in heat of a thawing sun.

Solemn, stubborn – hope
solidified and without strength
of self – I slide further into
staid waters of despair.