When We Break, C’est la Vie!

They said step forward, step forward, step forward! The unknown doesn’t wait—it pulls. They said step forward, step forward, step forward! Into the depths, I lose control. Each breath falters—the tether holds still— It winds like a serpent, bending to your will. The platform creaks; the ground retreats— An open void, a pause complete. Oh, death! My treacherous lover, Your kiss—wet, metallic, and cold. The chill of your claim leaves me confined! I descend through the hollow expanse, I am devoured! I am swallowed whole! C’est la vie!— The weight pulls tighter, the rope swings low! C’est la vie!— The abyss cradles what I cannot show! Is it freedom? Is it final? Or are they the same, the same, the same?— C’est la vie!— The silent fall, the quiet end! The rope bites deep against my trembling skin. Its fibers—teeth, grinding in the dark. Oh, what truth sways in this silence? Was it all for nothing? Or worse—was it all for me? The air grows still; my silhouette twists, A pendulum bound in a merciless grip. Do I dare to meet this end? Do I dare to call it peace?— C’est la vie!— Tick.— Tick.— Tick-tick-tick. The clock mocks—it carves seconds from your flesh! Time is the pendulum’s whip, It swings,— it screams,— it devours!— Oh, Death! You cruel bastard! I will not wait for you.— I will not wait! I will not wait! C’est la vie!— The weight pulls tighter, the rope swings low! C’est la vie!— The abyss cradles what I cannot show! Is it freedom? Is it final? Or are they the same, the same, the same?— C’est la vie!— The silent fall, the quiet end! A breath. Another. Then nothing.