The Road Not Taken
he shut the door as he shut his eyes
Seconds ago
he kissed his brother goodnight
Minutes ago
he told his parents he loved them
Hours ago
he stared at his teachers blankly
Days ago
he plotted the rest of his life
Weeks ago
he promised he wouldn't pick up that knife
Months ago
it was only a joke but now that joke laid on the end of that rope. was that joke still funny?
Seconds went by as the rope taunted him
swinging so alive as if he'd rather take the place of the object
Ten minutes after
he went through his possesions
A journal
An old movie or two
And his life
Nothing seemed worth it anymore
A knock at his door
but everyone was asleep
Except for his purpose
His protection
His place to belong
His life in someone else's hands
His lab partner
She opend the door to his opened eyes
seconds ago
She told her parents good bye
minutes ago
She gathered up a reasonable excuse
hours ago
She saw the blank stares
days ago
She planned to reach out to him
weeks ago
She promised something was going to be different
months ago
She knew the joke knowing it was going to be a long semester
Seconds later
They took down the rope
Minutes later
They were laughing quietly
Hours later
The sun rose
Days later
He felt something hidden
Weeks later
He watched his teachers carefully
Months later
He got his diploma
Years later
He thanked his hero with a ring