Trial By Fiery Water

As I step inside the cubicle

And feel the anticipation rising

I take a deep breath and

It smells like freedom

The relief is like a living thing

As the warm droplets slide across my skin

And I make the tiny room my home

I feel the tension leave my body

But I know it will end too soon

The fear begins to constrict my throat

As I turn the knob further

And I feel the scalding hot water

Pelleting my naked skin

I grimace and stifle a cry

The self-hatred is barely contained

As I lean against the walls

And I clench my eyes and fists tightly

In a futile attempt to ward off the evil

I want only to curl up on the floor

The shame of failure envelops me

As I create my own burning prison

And the thought of ever leaving it

Incinerates me from within

I am faced with naught but bad choices

The despair once again takes control

As my blood turns to acid

And my desperation becomes my world

I feel like burning away to an empty shell

Embracing my grim-faced companion from hell