I dig deeply at the hardened crust

each shovel scrapes the surface; no deeper

day by day I work; the effort causes the need

soon, I will reside here; this grave of my design.

Knowingly, I have lived; aware of the outcome

yet, completely incapable of ending this

for the need to survive has been compelling

and worn, I fall in exhausted pain.

the sharp bite of the agony strikes, cobra-like

as my heart screams in torment

love is no comfort, for I am dead already

and now the specter of it overwhelms me.

I resume the work.