the storm quietly engulfs the sky,

and leaves the ocean a dark and thick sludge

you and countless others silent and scared

stand atop a tall, jagged cliff that pierces the obsidian liquid

the sky is alive and angry

but the wind is not

the wind shouts and screams

constantly disorienting you

 

you look around

examining all the others

and see the same face

frozen from doubt, paralyzed by indecisiveness

 

suddenly and simultaneously

everyone jumps

left or right

those who jump to the left aim for a nearby beach

a wide, desolate plain of brown

those who jump to the right swim deeper into the ocean

a possibly endless ocean

few jump to the right

 

there is a single splash

as all dive into the darkness

you feel a pair of hands push against your breast

and four words linger in your mind

don't stop

never rest

 

even as you slam into the impossible

and feel yourself begin to sink into it

don't stop

never rest

 

even as the current pushes against you

and you lose all feeling in your arms and legs

don't stop

never rest

 

even as the sky begins the crack

and its sharp pieces fall all around you

don't stop

never rest

 

even as those who swam in front of you now slowly halt

and sink into the darkness below

don't stop

never rest

 

even when you are alone

and the promise of the future feels false

don't stop

never rest

 

when you can see the sun

and watch its shine light the grass below

don't stop

never rest

 

as you feel the water fade to blue

and a warmth develops around you

don't stop

never rest

 

you drift to the shore of a fertile beach

with the touch of sand reviving your senses

in front of you are all those you love

and many more like you

 

You've won.

 

and now

when surrounded by those at their best

stop

now rest