I have dreamt of dying.

I've stood on a balcony,
watching the leading edge
of a nuclear blast
rush toward me over the rooftops…
feeling unexpected elation.

I've been shot,
collapsed to the pavement
and relaxed into the slow fade
as I watched life flow from my side.

When it really approaches
(if I see it coming)
how will I respond?
Will my outstretched arms
be a defense
or an embrace?

Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.