Hanged (Wo)Man

If I am like a serpent, then
Right now I'm shivering, as
The snake might, in between
Shedding the last of his old skin,
And the conformity of the new...
Cautiously avoiding excess
Sun exposure, and moisture,
In attempt to protect most
Fragile, baby-soft skin...
Imagine this...and the surmise-able
Aggravation of the beast
At needing to take such care
Of that mighty body....

I am naked in this moment...

Poised on my fictitious death bed
Facing the warmth and light promised
When at last this life cage called Earth
Will free me... yet it is the moment
Before my ascension, and I am consciously
Covered by rawest wounds, fresh gravel
Ground in my greying face, muscles
Still contracting as if in fits, but lacking
Strength to stand
Or Move....

I feel like screaming but I've lost my voice...

I feel like turning back
Yet there are only ruins
In my wake...