Fainting Goat

When I was young,

I loved fairytales.

I loved that no matter what,

There was always a happy ending.

But as I got older,

I realized something:

Happy endings don’t exist for everyone.

Everyone dies.

A clock ticks on the wall.

All the other kids are talking.

I can’t think.

I can’t focus.

I’m lost.

Detached from the world.

I look up, and see someone leaning against the wall.

I know them…but how?

You see, I’m a dead fish. My name is Robert III. You may be wondering, Who would name a fish? Well, all fish have names, thank you very much. Your next question might be, Wait, if you’re dead, how are you telling this story?

Change can be scary,

but it must be achieved.

Determination is the best tool

to change how we live.

If you are afraid to change,

that's okay.

Change isn't easy,

but it must be done.

Time is running out.

What chases me is catching up.

I cannot escape.

I scream for help, but none arrives.

I am alone.

I am afraid.

I am out of time.

A clock ticks in my head.

I am blindfolded.

I cannot see.

She leads me through the woods.

Holding my hands and walking backwards.

I smile and laugh, feeling free.

She stops, and so do I.

What is it? I ask her.