self portrait in a defocused state

close your eyes
(dream)
blur your vision
(keep dreaming)
make peace with the
truth that you know
(awaken)
make peace with the
burden that you carry
(remove your tongue and pray with the blood as an offering)
leave your humanity at the altar and
i will see the nightmare you have become
(hold on to the words you have left)
your body is a crucible
your mortal coil is augmented by depletion
(dream)
reanimate, reality in a reversed bearing
(keep dreaming)
reallocate, reverie at the precipice
between now and forever
(do not awaken)
place your right hand in the reliquary
accept the gift of void
(remain, do not make any sudden movements)
the earth will open its maw beneath your feet
and you will become, remain
(cease dreaming)
before the dream itself becomes ceaseless
reawaken, reopen your eyes
place your right hand in the reliquary
accept your own divinity

— Riley Winters