When Mortality Knocks

surrender or die

WHEN MORTALITY KNOCKS

Photo by Artem Maltsev on Unsplash

Never let them see you sweat
A mask well worn
When mortality tightens its grip,
The tunnel is dark
And you are afraid to open the door
At the other end.

Steadfast, you cling to life
It is what you know
Familiar and controllable 
You embrace your pain
Like an old lover.

At least he has been faithful
Inhabiting your body
Through the worst of times
Crowding your thoughts 
With the intensity of existence. 

Muscles taut, 
You strap in for the ride
Expressionless like John Wayne
You pull the trigger
Not thinking twice as the smoke clears.

You stand alone,
Facing the chasm
Where there used to be a soul.

The soul is your own
Weary from the duel 
Resignation bleeds from your wounds
Inflicted by the claws of denial
That haunt your dreams.

There is no point in persisting
With your eye patch and gold tooth,
Soon, there will only be the door
With the handle marked
“Surrender or Die.”
©2026 Stephanie M. Vargo