I Can Feel
Each moment, each touch, in the presence of death.
I can feel the strength in my hand ebb away as my grip begins to faulter on the handle of the knife.
I can feel the warmth of freshly spilled blood slowly make its way down my fingers till it begins to drip onto the floor.
I can feel the ringing in my ears as the vibrations echo through my skull, distorting my senses.
I can feel the pain in my chest spread out like ripples in a pond from where the bullet pierced my soul.
I can feel the weight of gravity pulling me down as my body crashes against the floor.
I can feel the fear evaporate like sweat on a summers day as I see my children escape the people who have broken into our home.
I can feel the gaze of my ancestors waiting for me to join them as I ask them the only question that matters.
Did I do well?
***
I can feel the heat of the sun beat down on my neck as I stand alone over my father’s grave.
I can feel the sorrow well up inside, as memories of his sacrifice to buy us time flood my mind.
I can feel the slight touch of a breeze, like the gentlest of touches against my face, as I turn around and get back into my car.
I can feel the sense of pride as I look up into the sky and ask my father the only question that matters.
Am I doing well?
***
I can feel the strength in my hand ebb away as my grip begins to falter on the picture of my family I am holding.
I can feel the warmth of their love radiate through me like a wave of happiness that lights up my eyes.
I can feel the slowing of time as old age finally catches up and I look up one last time to see my father with his arms spread out wide.
I can feel his touch as we embrace, like a lost piece of my soul that has finally been found.
I can feel his joy as we walk off into the light together, no questions needing to be asked.
The end.
About the Creator
Daniel Millington
A professional procrastinator that likes to weave short stories ranging from thought-provoking fiction to imaginative fantasy. Delve into worlds that twist your soul and bring magical creations to life.
I also like cake.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
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Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
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Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
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Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Comments (3)
Wow, this is very deep and emotional.
I love poems like this. The repetition gives a soothing sense of rhythm and allows the emotionality to hit hard. I’d imagine this is something you couldn’t read aloud without choking up. If the second and third parts are from the POV of one of the children from the first, it works so well. I like the idea of seeing the thread connecting multiple deaths in multiple generations. The overlapping love in each speaker at the time of their death is so poignant, so beautiful. 💜
Gosh, this was so extremely emotional! I loved the different POVs. Such a beautiful and touching poem!