Trees wilted,

leaves falling colored brown.

No woodland creatures,

running around.

Just an endless pile,

of brown and black.

Walking, searching,

for the colors to come back.

The sky turns to grey,

the sun is nowhere in sight.

Dark, afraid,

not a hint of light.

Cold and alone,

needing the heat.

Nothing but ice,

beneath my feet.

Walking alone,

isn't the best place to be.

I'll just wait here,

until you find your way back to me.

Staring at the empty room that surrounds me, in a daze as I run my fingers across the rim of my drinking glass. I swallow hard, although I do not fear what comes next. Death is the best ending I could hope for. It’s peaceful, no more heartache, pain or disappointment; just rest. They say that your life flashes before your eyes right before you take your last breath; it must be true. For, I see it all.

Everyone walks by me as if I do not exist. Like a lone piece of trash just blowing in the wind, making its way through the crowd, dying for someone to pick it up and if they do, it’s only for a little while, then it is discarded once again. Being stepped on, torn and broken into pieces, until finally there is nothing left. The paper has no choice but to lie still. The words that were once written on it have faded, the lines within it are no longer visible and it is no longer bright; just transparent, becoming one with the universe, but the funny thing about life is. No one really listens until you can no longer speak. If death is what it takes just to be heard, then mine will be bitter sweet, just like the salt I tasted around the rim of my final drink.

People look at me and they only see one thing and maybe that’s what my parents seen too. Perhaps, I wasn’t just a helpless innocent baby girl lying in their arms. Perhaps they seen me for what I truly am from the very beginning, a monster in disguise. Camouflaged by an ivory complexion and big hazel eyes. These eyes of mine have seen more than I can carry around with me. I no longer crave the taste of my own blood tears. I have had my battle and I’m tired of losing, perhaps death can finally set me free.

This story is not about death, it is about the sanctity of life. I treasured my life, a little too much perhaps. I was always reaching for something out of reach. I longed for every possible feeling I never thought I would have and it turns out; I was right. I simply couldn’t accept who I was, where I came from, I always seen myself as more, turns out; I was wrong about that part.

I know what dwells within the depths of this world. I have seen the beautiful faces of pain and destruction. Everyone looks in the obvious places for corruption, but it is among us every day, blending in with everyone else and even standing out. It is not them that disguise themselves, it is our own eyes that create the optical illusion of what they truly are. Our eyes play tricks on us, we open ourselves up to what we perceive to be safe. But what is safe really? One thing I know for sure is, I have never played it safe. I have given into things I shouldn’t have just like so many others and for no other reasons than my own twisted perception. Perhaps this ending for me is the best thing that could happen, not only for myself, but for everyone else as well.

My mind never stops thinking, constantly being filled with all the visions and acts of violence I have had to endure. Which makes me question everything. Is it me? What good am I really doing anyone by being here? Is this world really a better place with me in it? What impact have I made? Would the people that I care about the most benefit more if I simply didn’t exist at all? The answers to these questions are all the same, but I don’t feel sad. I feel relieved in a way, because I am always filled with guilt, regret and pain that no one other than myself has bestowed. I am not cursed, maybe, I am the curse. I have spent countless years trying to find my purpose in life; maybe this is it.

There is no higher power. I hear people and even I have said. “You have to believe.” All I have done is believe, but in what? How can I believe in something that I do not know? Believing in something means you have to know what it is and I have yet to find exactly who I am. Being myself, has always been twisted into what everyone else wants me to be.

If I could just truly be myself then this decision would be much easier, less painful.

I don’t have any uplifting words to leave behind. My broken legacy is nothing other than a trail of neglect, broken hearts, bad decisions, pain and regret. The only words I would feel comfortable leaving to anyone would be. Know who you are. Don’t search for it as I did, for if you don’t know, then like me; when you find yourself. You may not be able to live with the results.

Bradley stands on his ocean front balcony lost in thought, while whispering her name. Angel suited her perfectly, for was indeed his angel on Earth. There she stands, shining brighter than the sun; her long auburn locks blowing with the wind and her blue sundress cascading along the sand. They would hold each other’s bodies close as she softly sang the words of their favorite love song into his ear.

Angel came from a different world. She was a free spirit, and lived life as if it was her last minute. Bradley was a wealthy man and had every luxury most people only dream about, but Angel; she was his diamond in the rough. She grew up in poverty and had to fight, sweat and bleed just to survive. Therefore, money was never a necessity in Angel’s life. Bradley recalls the first day he met her.

He was sitting alone drinking coffee at his usual spot, when her beauty instantly caught his attention. It was as if she was gleaming when she walked through the door, accompanied by the most breath taking smile he had ever seen. She also sat down alone and the two exchanged glances before Bradley finally mustered up the courage to approach her. The two instantly hit it off, and he was taken by how unique she was. Her personality was unlike anyone else he had ever encountered. There he was staring at such a beautiful woman, yet she was humble and down to earth. He had to see her again, and so he did.

Their worlds collided in the most awe-inspiring way imaginable. Bradley has been in the arms of many women before, but none of them was as powerful as the one he is holding now. She brought realism to his world, which was worth more to him than his fortune, and she asked for nothing but his love in return.

Suddenly that memory fades and another one takes its place.

Bradley recalls Angel’s love for the ocean, although he was terrified of the ocean; Angel was intrigued and loved the excitement of it. She begged him to take her sailing. It took some convincing, but finally he agreed to take her.

He remembers how happy she was as the waves carried them magically. It was as if the sea itself could feel the love between them two and wanted it to shine. Even though Bradley feared the ocean, the brightness of her smile melted his heart and ultimately conquered that fear.

Then in an instant, the sea grew dark and the waves began to thrash, as if it was angered; and they were caught in the middle of its wrath. Angel held onto Bradley as the violent sea took control. Then just as fast as it appeared, the sun began to shine and they were at ease. The two breathed a sigh of relief as they shared a smile.

Abruptly, a rogue wave had them in their sights. Angel had just reached out her hand to Bradley, when it capsized the boat. Terror set in as he realized that he was surrounded by his worst fear; the deep blue sea. Nothing was in his sights, and Angel had vanished. Bradley was in a state of panic as he spun and thrashed in the water screaming out Angel’s name. Bradley took a deep breath and swam down deeply looking for any traces of her, but she was nowhere to be found. He screamed and cried for her, until he could no more; finally he accepted that she was gone and vowed not to fight the currents, to let nature take its course.

He had been floating for days, just waiting for the sea to take what little life he had left. Bradley was not fighting the currents, he was not aware of what was around or underneath him, for he simply didn’t care. He was on a journey of his own now, and death was calling his name.

Finally, he got tired of waiting for the sea to take his life and his dry cracked, sunburnt skin had all that it could stand. Out of desperation Bradley cried out Angel’s name one last time, and when he didn’t get a response; he just took a deep breath, and sank into the water below. As he sank, his breath began to weaken and right before he lost consciousness, he heard her voice.

“I’m here Bradley. Listen to my voice and open your eyes.”

His eyes sprung open towards the surface. Something was above him. He was certain it was Angel, and pushed himself towards the surface as fast as his body would allow him to. However, it was not her and as a man and his wife pulled him from the water; Bradley became hysterical screaming.

“Where is Angel? I know she is here, I heard her voice!”

The couple tried to reassure him that everything was going to be alright, but he knew his life would never be the same.

Angel was never found, regardless of the search and rescue efforts Bradley brought forth. Still, death itself cannot erase the memory of her, for he sees her every night; walking along the shoreline beneath the blue moon, singing their love song as her blue sundress sways behind her through the sand.

Bradley never believed in Angels on Earth until his very own walked into his life, and just like the footprints she leaves within the sand. The imprints she has made upon his heart keeps her spirit alive.

THE END

Amanda waits for the man she loves, refusing to accept the truth. For there she sits in her favorite red dress anxiously awaiting for his arrival, but just like many nights before. The only comforts she will find will be at the bottom of her wine glass. She slowly traces the rim of her glass with her finger, causing a ripple within its contents. The movement catches her attention, but the wine was no longer there; instead it became a portal or gateway to her past.

There she is in the same red dress many years earlier. She remembers that night. It was the night she met her husband. She sat alone at a local club when he walked in. He instantly caught her attention, for she thought he was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. She also gained his attention as well, and there was an instant attraction. It wasn’t long before the two of them were lost in conversation and laughter. He seemed to hold the key to her happiness. For, Amanda was more of a loner and didn’t normally connect with anyone this easily. Still, she didn’t question it. She gave into the emotion that was captivating her. Perhaps she shouldn’t have, for the portal has also began displaying his level of deceit.

She wasn’t the only one he was misleading. Numerous faces began to descend from the bottom of her wine glass, as she sat alone night after night, being betrayed by the man she loved so much. She could recite word for word the exact lines he was speaking to countless different women. He must have had them memorized she thought, for he always knew the precise thing to say.

Countless lonely nights she spent alone, only to be awakened by the scent of strange perfume upon his arrival. Still, she loved him so significantly that she would rather believe a lie than accept the truth. Many times she remembers doing the laundry and disregarding the lipstick stains upon his clothing. He is the only man she has ever loved and she fears losing something she has merely experienced once.

Suddenly the portal begins to bubble and reveals her image of now, sitting there alone with the imprint of her tears outlining the make-up on her face. Then it changes and there her husband sits with yet another stranger at this very minute. Wearing the same outfit she just seen him in earlier, when they made plans to share a romantic evening together. The only thing missing is his wedding ring, and just like every other time. He begins reciting that memorized script of his. She recognizes the background. It was the very place he purposed. The pain is too unbearable. Overwhelmed by emotion, Amanda throws the wine glass across the room, causing it to shatter and begins to cry.

After a few moments of silence, she glanced over at the wet red stain surrounding the shattered glass shards; it too had begun to transform. Only this time, it was all the strength she needed. Within the shattered glass, flashcards began to appear, of all the obstacles she overcame before her husband came into her life. Suddenly she remembered that she is only as weak as she allowed herself to be.

Amanda cleaned herself up, leaving the exact red dress on that she wore the night they met, and departed with only one goal in mind; evening the score. She instructed the cab driver to her destination, and her husband was shocked when he witnessed her walking in, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of watching her fall apart. She walked straight to the bar as if she didn’t notice him at all. He quickly excused himself from his guest and slipped his wedding ring back on his finger, while making his way to her. Amanda had her back turned when he approached her from behind.

“Honey, I was just finishing up with a client. What are you doing here?” He asked.

Amanda however held a look of confusion on her face, as she turned to face him.

“I’m sorry, have we met?” She said.

Her husband simply chuckled a bit before responding.

“Amanda don’t be silly. I am your husband. Now if you’ll give me just a few minutes, we can go out for our romantic evening as planned. You look amazing by the way.” He said.

Still, she was not to be detoured.

“My name is Amanda and thank you for the compliment, but you are not my husband. The man I vowed to love, honor and cherish wouldn’t be at the very spot where he purposed with a stranger, nor would he reek of strange perfume. I love my husband, but you are not him. I see you have found your wedding ring. In that case, I suggest you find your wife and let me be.” She said without the reveal of a single tear.

“Amanda this is silly. I have no idea what you are talking about, just give me a few minutes and we can leave alright?” He replied.

The more he spoke, the angrier she became. She was filled with rage as she turned and said.

“Oh I think you have a very good idea as to what I’m referring to.”

He had never been called out before, and the room was filled with people that he knew. He was a well-known business man and highly respected by his peers. Paranoia set in as he grabbed her by the arm and said.

“Honey, it is clear you have had a little too much to drink. I don’t want to make a scene. I think it’s best if we just leave now.”

Amanda stood from her sitting position, snatching her arm away and instantly replied in a stern manner, gaining everyone’s attention.

“Do not touch me! You threw that privilege away a long time ago!”

The room grew quiet, and both Amanda and her husband were the center of attention. She glanced over at the woman sitting at the very same table where he purposed and anger took over. Although, she did not blame her; she sympathized with her. She could no longer contain her emotions and began to speak out.

“My apologies go out to everyone here for having to witness such behavior. Although I am not apologizing on the behalf of myself. I am apologizing on the behalf of my husband.”

She seen that familiar look of confusion on the face of her replacement. Her husband tried to walk away, but she slowly entangled her hand within his and held onto it tightly, pointing in the woman’s direction as she continued to speak.

“You see a broken heart can cause a person to react in ways you never dreamed you would. It was in that very spot, where he purposed to me, and how ironic is it; that the same place where our love flourished is the very same place where it will disintegrate.”

The woman filling her chair looks at the wedding ring now upon his finger and also begins to cry. Witnessing such actions by the crowd, makes them sympathetic and they begin to turn on Amanda’s husband.

“I do apologize for this everyone, but apparently she has had too much to drink.” He said.

Amanda jerks away once more, approaches the woman’s table and as she is doing so. She begins reciting the very same memorized script that came from her husband’s lips. It is a speech she has heard far too many times and as a result, she has memorized it as well. She begins narrating it louder and over, time and time again. Both her husband and his guest were in disbelief. The strange woman wasn’t sure what Amanda was going to do next as she stood merely footsteps away from her. Amanda was so distraught by the level of emotion she was experiencing, she just stood there for a few seconds staring back into the strangers tear filled eyes, before finally finding the strength to say.

“I do not know you, but I don’t have to, for we are the same. We have both been deceived by someone we thought we knew. Those were the very same words he said to me the night we met, and the same words he has said to countless others since that day. I have been blinded by my love for him, but it ends tonight, where it first began.”

The room was still quiet when Amanda left that night. She is unaware of what transpired later that evening, for she never returned. She suffered from a broken heart, due to the only man she ever loved, but she refused to allow his betrayal to go unknown. And even though she is alone, she knows herself well; and as long as her heart is tucked away safely within herself. There is no risk of her suffering from yet another broken heart.

THE END

The storm is speaking to her on this night. The wind begins to howl and the lightning flashes violently, as Adriana tosses and turns, fighting the reoccurring nightmares. She listens to the thunders wild and distant roar, and with every lightning bolt a woman’s face appears.

“Find me Adriana.” The woman says.

The storm is playing out the bitter truth right before her eyes. Suddenly she sees her father’s face, but she’s confused.

“Dad what are you doing?” Adriana cries out.

Suddenly she hears the woman’s voice again.

“He is not your father!” She screams.

“What? I don’t understand. What is going on?” Adriana asks in a state of panic and confusion.

“Just watch my child. The storm will tell you all that you need to know.” The woman says once more.

With every moan from the night, her entire existence came to life. Adriana never knew her mother. She was told that she abandoned her as a baby, but that was not the case. She witnesses the murder of her mother and father as they lay sleeping in bed. Suddenly the scene replays itself as she witnesses the same horrific acts carried out upon her twin brothers and sister’s family as well.

The man they called dad murdered all of their families, and stole them as babies. Each occurrence was the same, he only sought out his victims on dark and stormy nights; and as the lightning struck and the wind howled, he stole their life, their children and profited from their remains. He was well-known as the jewelry maker. People traveled from all around to purchase his unique and exotic jewelry.

Intensely, the storm releases one last roar, and with the final lightning strike; she knows what she must do. Her eyes spring open as she clings to the cross dangling from her neck, which was made from her own mother’s bones.

Adriana is focused as she leaps out of bed and runs out into the screaming storm. Her actions have awakened her siblings, and they witness her running into the distant woods behind their home. Curious as to what she is doing they quickly follow in behind her, while pleading with her to stop. Still, Adriana does not slow down. She has witnessed every foul and disgusting detail for herself and she has to make sure that it wasn’t just some nightmare; and that’s when she seen it.

Adriana came to a standstill when she witnessed the old abandoned house from her dream. The screams and voices of her siblings were merely muffles, she was in a state of shock as she stood in the storm fearing what was inside.

Her siblings finally make their way to her and demanded to know what is going on, but she says nothing as she opens the door. They can’t believe their eyes. The floor was littered with human bones, and the stench of death and deceit was all around them, as they stood staring at the scenery in a state of shock and disbelief. On the walls hung pictures of them with their families as babies. He had them on display, as if he was proud of what he had done. There they stood in the center of his trophy room locking fingers and holding each other tightly, as Adriana speaks.

“This is where he makes his jewelry.”

Each of them had a piece of jewelry made from their own parents bones; all of them clung to them as they shed their own blood tears as respect to a past, they never knew existed.

THE END

She woke up for some water in the middle of the night.

Surprised by a stranger, with a flashlight.

Blinded by the light; she heard the man speak.

He said don't make a sound; do not even blink.

With her child sleeping peacefully, just footsteps away.

She had no choice but to do as he say.

That's when he forced her to lie down on her back.

Suddenly her body was under attack.

Trembling from fear; burning with rage.

Like a wild animal, locked inside of a cage.

She was confused by her emotions; uncertain how to react.

The fear was telling her to lie still; the rage was screaming fight back!

As the battle within herself begins.

The rage is too powerful; and wins.

She took the light right out of his hands.

Then shined it in the face of that despicable man.

She said, I see you now, for all that you are.

You may have won the battle; but I'm winning this war.

I will not be your victim; another statistic in your evil little plan.

I will tear out your soul; for you're not even a man.

I am not helpless; I fight back strong.

Coming into my home, is where you went wrong.

With hate in her eyes; she had a firm grip on the light.

Suited for battle; prepared to fight.

She witnessed fear, within the man's eyes.

Now he was confused, surprised.

She used her power, and began to speak.

Now you know exactly, how it feels to be weak.

Don't you dare blink, or make a sound.

Do yourself a favor, and turn around!

Leave my house the same way you came in.

Remember this moment, before trying it again.

But if I were you; I would run.

For it only takes seconds; to grab my gun.

And this war you started; has already begun!

Surrounded by the night, from the outside looking in.

Questions are no more, as to where he’s been.

For the shadows do not lie, the truth becomes too real.

Her world begins to turn, on a poisonous spinning wheel.

The venom seeps inside her veins, as she takes a few steps closer.

Rage is now in control, of this emotional roller-coaster.

Her life has been altered, and they must pay for what they’ve done.

For the battle deep within herself, has only just begun.

She follows their shadows, shifting throughout the house.

While clinching onto the gun, she keeps concealed beneath her blouse.

All along she knew, though seeing it is just too much.

Her eyes refuse to blink, as she witnesses every touch.

What did I do wrong, she wonders as she shakes.

Then places her finger on the trigger, as her heart begins to ache.

The tears won’t stop falling, as she hears him say that phrase.

The words I love you belong to her, and gunfire starts to blaze.

Shattering the window, and ending both of their lives.

She begins to speak out loud, stating this is for the wives.

The ones who sit at home alone, believing in a lie.

Knowing the truth all along, but caught up in deny.

Refusing to accept, that the one you love is fake.

Praying you’re in a dream, while your eyes are wide awake.

All at once she calms herself, as the night begins to roar.

Glancing through the blood stained glass, where they lay broken upon the floor.

The sparkle from his ring, sends a chill down her spine.

As she rips it off his finger, while stating this is mine.

I gave it to you under false pretenses, through vows you did not keep.

The seeds you sown are planted, and now it’s time you reap.

Although I was also in the wrong, ending your life was not my right.

As she placed the gun against her chest; she spoke her final words of the night.

I loved you more than life itself, perhaps in death you can be true.

I shall destroy what is left of my heart; it is my final gift to you

The instant he walked across my heart.

His footprints were there to stay.

True light; inside the dark.

That wouldn’t wash away.

Making his mark.

Undeniable spark.

Art.