Swan Song

Do you know
what it is,
to have spiralled
into the deepest abyss,
to touch dark death
with your fingertips?

Do you know
how it feels,
to be swamped,
abandoned and alone,
in a quagmire
of dire helplessness?

Do you know
how it stings
when a shattered self sings,
when the ones you love
walk away numb,
while you cry for help in silence?

Do you know
that it is
not angst, but courage
to walk on razor's edge,
to hold death in your breath,
and walk away from it alive?

Do you know
how it feels
to redeem your life,
after bearing a cross,
to love and cherish each piece,
as you rebuild your life?

Do you know
that one day
you can speak of death
with a smile,
as you've been there
almost to the other side?

If you know
how it feels,
how it stings,
what it is,
then you know
dear friend,
what it means
to be alive!