Instructions For an Easier Death

Stay still.

Choose a steady wall, a corner,
a table that could bear the blocks.
Lay down,
protect your head with your arms.
If you die, tell god
we fought.
We tried.
If stones break your chest open,
enjoy the freedom of your soul.

When the ground howls,
listen to the birds. They know.

Touch your bones, examine
them. Wrists,
ankles,
ribs,
knees. Don't
imagine the aftermath.
Crushed wrists,
broken ankles,
buried ribs,
smashed knees.

You don't seek survival
anymore, only the closure.

____________

Edit: A 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit my city today.