I stop.

I gasp

and gag

and choke

on my tears.

I stop.

I sit

and wait

and close

my eyes.

I stop.

I stand

and blink

and hold

my breath.

I stop.

I beg

and plead

and ask

the world why.

I stop.

I jump

and flail

and feel

the rope tightening,

my lungs expanding,

my breath ceasing.

I stop.