eyes

all he sees are eyes burning into him.. accusing-
the only reflection of his perception
so utterly consumed with that burden of blame
he refuses to let go of.. just as the masks
so essential.. yet..

more and more he feels something
precious almost slipping away
leaving a lump in this choked breath
suspended in a vacuum
not numb enough to forget himself
despairing of this feeling
that still roars within him.. visions
that plague and haunt and suffocate

the embracing darkness beckons
in tempting relief.. oblivion and sleep
- an annihilation of self.. seemingly
the only answer to these terrifying voices

yet that whisper.. encouraging.. persistent
vying with all the 'noises' - still calls out to him
and soul heavy with fatigue he almost reaches
for that hand.. hollow laughter rising
at this naive effort.. remnants of self
he had long given up on

and gets engulfed by that one tidal wave
as once again fates make a mockery
of his convictions.. and once again
none could tell the salt of that torrent
of uncontained emotion apart

while a solitary soul
silently willing from afar-
wept tears of joyous relief..