By Nelson Jacob Gladson
On that lonely night, the mild cold air drew close,
As I lay quiet on the tombstone, my body senseless, my soul overthrown.
The darkness of the night seemed shades deeper than what I knew of pitch black—
My heart pounding with pain... I’m not usually this vulnerable,
So maybe I need to cut myself some slack.
As the best memories rush through my mind,
I wish I could be right there, make it an *event horizon*—
A point of no return.
Those moments lasted mere minutes or seconds, maybe,
But they hold more than a lifetime of experiences, I reckon.
That feeling of being alone and lonely,
While the world surrounds me—
It may seem like a delusion, but it’s my reality.
It makes no sense, yet it’s the truth of the situation.
Why do I feel this way?
Is it because of an experience, a person, or a future unknown?
The dilemma torments me, though I try to keep my composure.
As I lie lifeless, while only my heart beats,
I pray—“Oh God, give me strength,” my mind pleads.
The barks and howls of the street dogs feel like wails for my dying soul.
I try to erase the bitter memories of the past and be bold.
The darkness, the silence, and the cruel mind games—
Feelings and painful thoughts flood me
in endless, colorless frames.
The soft, cozy bed feels like a graveyard as I senselessly lay.
My sunken heart—an anchor—holds me down,
Ensuring I do not drift away.
Uncontrollable tears run down my cheeks like an endless river.
The fear of losing a loved one makes my body and spirit shiver.
The pillow feels like your shoulders—the place I long to cry upon.
The blanket, like the hugs I miss—warm and comforting.
Oh, what a bliss it once was.
So many beautiful memories with you...
But alas, it was all soon gone.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock... the clock goes.
It sounds like your rhythmic heartbeat,
The one I felt when we stood so close.
The silence in the air feels like the quiet whispers from your lips.
The mild breeze reminds me of your nervous breaths during our first kiss.
My eyes anxiously stare at the phone,
Hoping for a text—like the time I knew I was no longer in the friend-zone.
The slow-spinning fan above—
If only it were a magic wheel that could take me back
to those unforgettable infinities that forever last.
The dim night lamp in the darkness seems like a shooting star—
Could it make my wish come true?
To express how much I love you...
Which, ironically, you still have no clue.
I look back at the clock again and again.
Time rushes forward—it never stops.
Will I survive this night?
I cry deep within... an endless stream of teardrops.
Helpless, I finally summon the courage to explore my last resort. To God I pray: “Oh, give me a brand-new start.”
Some more time passes...
And then, I think I’ve found the answer.
The darkness of the night lasts only until the morning’s first light.
You can’t change your past,
But what you do with your future defines your life’s plight.
The shining bright light will come to each one at the right time.
So fear not the darkness—
Your answer will rise from the firmament and shine.
I open my eyes with great joy;
I hear the birds chirping and the early morning prayer calls.
A new energy runs through my veins—
Strength in my body, once again.
I rise from the bed, walk slowly toward the window,
And there it is -
That bright yellow light across the sky,
Rising higher, shining brighter.
It’s like God’s manifestation,
Reminding me that the darkness is gone,
And it’s time for an amazing, blessed future.
As I gaze upon God’s promise,
My tears dry, the memories fade.
It is a moment of epiphany,
And I begin to cast away every doubt.
BUZZ!!! There goes your alarm—
So wake up, and good morning!
Look out your window—
Oh, what a beautiful sight.
The sun is shining bright.
The day has come—
A new beginning.
Maybe you’ve already found your light...
And if not, don’t worry—
Your day will come.
So never, ever lose that fight.