I'm screaming on the inside
My futile attempts to remain strong sinks away like the enormous orange sun at the end of the day.
With each blow I take,
My world goes up in flames as it begins to slip away.

Then I see her,
Standing in a warm place surrounded with feelings of hope and happiness.
She wears a smile as she extends her hand to me.
Should I take it?

My heavy eyelids flutter open.
I look up to see you standing over me,
Hate etched in the lines of your face,
Your bat held high ready to strike.

With that one glance I realize that it is not a choice.
I must take the angle by the hand while my will is still free.

Then I feel the blow and I know there is little time.
I prepare myself for death,
To be gone from the pain and suffering of this life.

I look up again,
"Thank you, Mom."
My last words as I fade away.
I take her hand and together we walk to a better place.
Both victims,
But both strong.