When Death Stopped for Me

Because I could not escape from Life – It rudely dragged me forth – The chaos swirled, consuming all – And Oblivion, my worth. We raced through days – no time to rest – And I, a frantic pawn – My dreams and hopes, discarded, lost – For Life's relentless dawn. We passed the cubicles, where souls toiled In fluorescent-lit despair – We passed the screens of endless tasks – We passed the coffee-stained chair. Or rather – Life passed me – Its deadlines, like a storm – For only memos, spreadsheets, strife – My soul, a uniform. We paused before a desk that seemed A prison of the mind – The keyboard barely visible – The mouse, a chain that binds. Since then – 'tis eons – and yet Feels shorter than a breath – I first surmised the ticking clock Led me toward my death.