The Flicker

M Shahadat Hossain

 

There, there; just a flicker in the distance

Visible only in total darkness

Such a darkness enveloped him

The flicker was all he needed

He proceeded

Stumbling upon rocks, pebbles and twigs

Sprained, scraped and bruised 

The flicker was no closer

He moved on

Stumbling and limping 

Thirsty, hungry and alone

The flicker was no closer

Leaded feet refused to budge 

Falling to his knees, painfully drew his breath

Began to crawl

The flicker was no closer

Undaunted and filled with the slimmest of hope

Continued to crawl 

Darkness overpowering him

The flicker was no closer

His knees bled

As did his palms

He moved on

The flicker was no closer

Bloodied and exhausted

He heard the faint beats in his chest

They willed him on

The flicker was no closer

Now upon his back, he rolled

With great pain he searched for the flicker

Flicker was no closer

He had no more breath to draw.