I held my breath just so I could stare Death in the face
she looked back at me expressionless
I couldn't tell if she was curious or indifferent
I held out as long as I could
hoping to show that I was not afraid
she reached out a gnarled cold hand and stroked my face
I shivered and pulled back
she still reached forward suddenly grabbing my shirt
I panicked, I lost composure
and as soon as she came she was gone
as I gasped one large breath and fell over
weak in the knees and spinning madly in my mind.

© J. Bernhard

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