Take a pill, take a pill.

Swallow it down. Let it stick in your throat. Let it take you to where the snow chills your toes. Where the birds swoop low.

Take a drink, take a drink.

Let it burn on your tongue. Ignite a forest fire in your stomach. Let the embers dull your senses. Make you numb.

Take the needle.

Let your flesh devour it. Your veins consume it. Let it hold you under the surface. Drown out the noise.

Yes, drown it all out. Swallow it all and just drown.

It's better that way, she says.

She's right. And I hate her for it. 

*****