Release

• Caitlin Baker, Grade 8
• Poetry
• 2014

He looks around the dark, bleak room
His breath in warming puffs
The Shadow weighs down on his shoulders
He's finally had enough

The endless stream of life
Has taken now its toll
The boys seemingly bright eyes
Really as black as coal

Soon The Shadow comes in tendrils
Its talons sliding near
It whispers in a childish voice
"Dear boy come over here."

The voice goes out in echoes
Its terror bouncing back
Finally the boy lets go
His dark face going slack

He gives into the desperate pleas
The voices in his head
The rope feels like his sweet release
As it slips around his head