Mercy Killing

"Put me out of my misery," begged his eyes and lips,

While I stood by, watching him suffer

From within, up unto his tips,

He beseeched me for a favour,

That none would ask another,

While I stared, helpless, into his teary eyes,

His body burned and so did his soul,

Under flames that would never cease,

They blazed forth, consuming him whole,

Yet leaving behind, a little life to live,

Oh how could the lifeless inferno be so cruel,

I thought only the living could,

But this was no room for thought,

For he needed help and fast,

The heave from pain to ease,

Seemed a losing duel,

And any attempt to heal or cure,

No matter how pure,

Would only cause him agony beyond bearing,

And let him suffer for life,

I shuddered, holding the knife,

That'd both save and relieve that man,

And it slipped, wetted by my sweat,

My hand trembled as I took it forward,

Towards his wounded skin,

A stab to kill, I knew, would be,

A stab unto my own heart,

And though he'd be free from his wounds,

I would never be for life,

I cursed fate, that ugly god,

Which put me in this place,

Forcing my innocent hand to hold,

This bloody knife of choice,

I sought to run, abandoning him,

And this dagger that ruined my day,

I knew if I tried, I might save him,

And the other would free him too,

But the thought of putting him,

Through any more pain,

Paralyzed my limbs,

And I stood watching,

Not him but my knife,

That's already pierced my soul,

Time flew past us,

Precious time,

And I knew I had to act,

So I held it tight,

Turned my wrist,

And drew closer to him.

Written at 4:35pm at C504, H13, IIT Bombay