saved by the bell

the first time
your breath seizes
skips a measure
the audience gasps
in turn
"could this be the end,
can it really be the end?"
... in every possible way ...
you glimpse an image
dark
like a haunted film
in black and white
raises one arm
opens its mouth
whispers
"enough"
and you just don't know
are you scared
or relieved
so many things left unsaid
undone
is there a bell there
he is ringing
to save you
the beaten boxer
from doing the things
that need to be done
saying what needs to be said
but couldn't
didn't
relieving you
from making choices
really living
or maybe
he is only holding a sign
with your number on it
and it's just random
meaningless
"come on in ...
into the void"
you think you hear him say
or maybe not
maybe it's the medicine
talking again
when you only prayed for silence
for peace
but for the audience
that is gathered here
this day
into night
into the 'morrow
rest assured ...
it is meaningless