Returning Poem by Barbara Clafton

That silent, deft hand crept slowly
into the cavity that once was my chest
squeezed
squeezed harder
did not rest
until all my life was gone.

Bony fingers, gripping tightly,
tighter still.
Crushing
Crushing my core, depleting my will
until it was gone.

Becoming a soul less life form
floating in the darkness, unaffected by other mortal souls
at the centre of Hell's abyss. Untouchable
unreachable
Life becomes purgatory.

The eternal winter six years long
began to thaw
to the melody
of a lover's song.

The silent deft hand crept slowly
back into the cavity that once was my chest.
Rubbed
rubbed and massaged gently
did not rest
until signs of life returned.

Warm hands grip lightly
lighter still
encouraging
encouraging my heart
encouraging my will
until
My soul returns.