such silence weighs like a heavy chain on neck

bowed low, onlookers see it not when appearances matter

thus the robotic motions are set forth,

like ping pong balls dashing to and fro,

what for? i do not know

why customs exist and the red tape is all around

this mouth that can no longer open,

sewed tightly, bound and gagged

thought a way out came from fresh air

then breath became stale again,

it was not meant to be – another reminder

that this labyrinth confuses, shapes of euphoria

fade out, like fireflies unable to glow when dead.

or partly asleep? i know not

when the mind tries to touch where the heart once

had been, finds it not

when the pumping action no longer

finds meaning in the push and pull of tides

uncontrollable. wild. chaotic.

now even the eyes and ears are slowly shut down,

silence so cold, so deep

the brittle glass breaking made no sound.