Merciless Rope

Like a weight,

never lifting, ever-burdening upon my chest.

As if a thick rope was thrust upon me in the midst of darkness,

landing harshly on my beating heart.

All is quiet except the crisp yanking of the rope’s grasp,

like a rubber band about to snap.

Pulling, tugging, succumbing to its will--

so easily yielded to its pressures.

Every struggle to break free the rope tightens its grasp,

leaving my fragile heart trembling.

Crippling under the pain, weakened by its force,

shaking with fear and doubt.

Suddenly the rope tightens with a powerful,

unforgiving jolt.

Closed off to the rest of the world now,

 as though a heavy, wooden door just slammed shut.

What is left?

Merely the thick, merciless rope,

hanging in victory.