darkness settled

(i)

a single shot

echoed

through the silence

of the forest

he sat

motionless

against a tree

he had put his family 

through enough

the heartache

the tears

the pain

he couldn't let 

them suffer anymore

blood

trickled from the 

corner of his mouth

his nose

and

crimson tears

fell from his eyes

they

would suffer no more

(ii)

she answered the telephone

“Hello.”

“Mrs. Erickson?”

“Yes.”

“This is Dr. Kaughman.

I have the most amazing news.

Your husband’s cancer is in remission.”

“Oh my God.”

tears filled her eyes

(iii)

darkness settled

around

a lone figure

against a tree

silent

forever

more

February 7, 2015