The view is always clearest before the fall

Voided peace, come into focus

Stammering, stumbling, mounting confusion

Disbelief, desperate, disparate calls

Panic unto panic

Cold and shaking

Glowing screen casts shadows flickering of steel blue

Hopeful and afraid, shivering sweat

Refusing to believe, reach out for authority

The call goes through

Ringing spreads out, iron voids

Clinical voice, clinical answers read from a pamphlet, the mind wanders

Unable to grasp, moment slipping away

Gritting teeth, clenched fists

Even tones answered with the same

Civility trumps denial, rage and grief

How long have I been talking?

Responses flow free but halting

Keep it together

Last words

Light another, breathe deep, pour another, repeat

Light another, feel weak, pour another to feel peace

And fail