An Ode to Life after Life

Lying on a hard white bed, not big enough for two. Bars surround the bed - barricading, jailing, me from escaping its cold skinny fingers. Tiny swords inject soldiers to fight the enemies inside. Buttons blink, beep. Camera on. Watching, always watching. I stare blankly at the ceiling. What is happening to me? Losing all control. My life. Staying strong for those who should stay strong for me. Energy, smiles. Where is this coming from? I could never smile for myself, so I did so for others. Then, I sit up and look around. At my surroundings. My new life. My new me. I don’t shield my eyes. They adjust to the blinding light on their own. I smile. And this time it is for me. I am home at last!