My In-Between

Villanelle

I’m sorry, I held on too long
It creeps with a breath ice cold
Hello Death, I feel you near

You mock how I choose to swim
I wonder—was this foretold?
I’m sorry, I held on too long

My streams are better than him
Whispers tempt fear to behold
Hello Death, I feel you near

The cold meets wet for more grim
I refuse to dive pinfold
I’m sorry, I held on too long

I will not sink, I choose swim
Free will—a sight to behold
I’m sorry, I held on too long
Hello Death, I feel you near