has anyone ever survived an explosion this close?

the glass is thick

half an inch at least

thicker at the base

the cork on tight

bottleneck, sealed

so full there is no room for air

must we open it?

must we try?

gas is building

heat is rising

please!

has anyone survived an explosion this close?

corkscrews bent and broken

knives litter the floor

tears fall,

please,

I’m not ready, I beg

but the bottle itself

that thick, smooth glass

has had enough

and it bursts

and out they flow

sorrow, pain, devotion

pour from the cracked bottleneck

please, has anyone ever survived an explosion this close?