The Day He Died, November 12, 2001

I knew that the lake would be deep in the middle
And decided that I wouldn't swim
There was no one around so I started to wade
And continued right up to my chin.
I had youth in my thighs and depth in my lungs
But I didn't plan to use either
I looked one last time around at the world
And knew that it was the winner.

As I looked around I saw one on shore
Who smiled from the opposite side
He sneered as he swam right to the center
And copied all movements of mine.
He was determed to watch me as I was determined to die
So I pulled us down into the water;
If he wanted to see what would happen to me
He would end his life as a martyr.

I held my breath so that I could ensure
That he died like I wanted him to
I dug my nails in his flesh as he struggled for breath
Till he lost it and had what was due.
My lungs burned as he sank to the bottom
But somehow I swam to the top
That breath felt like victory of the best kind
So in order to win I was willing to stop
And there on the shore to unwind.

~micaella