Lights in the night sky,

shine bright even as I die.

They twinkle up so high

as a sticky warmth covers my thigh.

Another shot rings out

and my attacker falls with a shout.

He tries to shoot me once more, to make it count,

But he’s shot again. Dead without a doubt.

My partner drops at my side, screaming for aid,

praying for God to trade

as I start to fade.

I’m so afraid.

Blue and red lights flicker

and my partner screams again with vigor.

While I beg the universe to reconsider

as I stare up at the Big Dipper.

This isn’t what I imagined for my health,

a life full of strife and very little wealth.

A popsicle with no purpose but to melt

and I can blame no one but myself.

My life is flashing before my eyes

and I wish to hell I had been more wise.

Misery and guilt underlies

nearly every good memory that can arise.

In that moment, the world is clear.

I should have cherished every tear.

I should have reveled in every scar.

I should have appreciated every single bore.

I open my mouth to tell my partner

that he must promise to be smarter

but it seems too big a feat to muster

And then, I close my eyes forever.