There’s silver glinting in my hand,

and cold iron slugging through my veins.

 

Shivering, I bring the hand,

up and over.

 

The bulging blue-green rivulets,

branching like winding ropes across my arms.

 

I take in a sharp breath,

it’s now or never.

 

The pallor of my skin glows brighter,

with the brittle metal resting against it.

 

Clenching my eyes shut,

I push down.

 

First beads of ruby roll down,

the length of my arm painted.

 

It isn’t so hard,

just push harder.

 

My mind fogging as iron and ruby rush out,

cooling as it meets frigid air.

 

But wait,

this wasn't what I wanted.

 

Fear washed over me in waves,

waves breaking against flickering consciousness.

 

I just wanted the pain to stop,

not to die.

 

Hair stands up on its end,

and a white hand jerks over the gaping divide.

 

Please,

help.

 

Gasps and pants and moans,

trying to staunch the blood.

 

Too much,

blood.

 

Blinking wakeness finally dimming,

eyes drooping shut.

 

So much,

blood.