Hell

A Modern Tragedy

[2020]

–

This is Hell.

Do you see?

Everyone is dead. You’re alone in this place. How does it make you feel?

I’m sad. 

Without a doubt, I’m sad.

Any real man would do anything to protect and feed his family.

This is how they caught most of them.

And you?

I would do anything. 

Anything, to escape this place. 

You see, when humbled- most men cease to be men.

They become animals.

All men are humbled.

Not all become animals.

Have you ever broken a man?

I have.

You’re looking at her ring. She’s married. Her hands are very clean. You notice her nails and the length of her fingers. Again, she’s married. She doesn’t belong to you. Now you’re looking at her hair. Her hair is a sign of her virtue. You’re looking at her skin now and your eyes are drawn to the flaws.

She has very fair skin.

You ask her things she wants to talk about. She’s laughing now. She’s looking in your eyes. You keep looking at her ring. She’s watching your eyes to see where they go. You stay on the ring.

You give her your eyes.

These are words. It doesn’t matter what you say. You want me dead. I’m right here. I can see you. Nothing that you say matters if you want me dead. 

This is not my dream.

You have stumbled upon a Bengaled Tiger inside a cave. How do you feel? Are you still alive? Touch your stomach. Make sure that you’re awake. Pinch yourself and make sure that this isn’t a dream. You should keep far from a nest of Snakes or a Tiger’s den. There might not be a next time. Look over your shoulder to make sure. See that you’re not being followed on your way out.

You have met the girl for sale. Is she pretty? Do you like her?

Resurection is part of the punishment of ruining forever.

You are without a penny.

You’re looking at the ground now. Looking for something. Are you no longer seeking love?

I’m no longer seeking love.

At this moment I have given up on everything including love.

I’ve lost hope now.

She’s adjusting her top in front of you. She wants you to see her. She’s showing you her body. You’re staring.

Do you wish to change me?

You claw at the walls frantically tracing your way through the tunnels, the water splashing as you try and level the rising fear that’s beginning to overwhelm your very existence. It’s only a matter of time before the terror completely takes hold of your reality. You’re beginning to cross over, how would you like to keep sane?

You’ve just been told that the sky is orange.

You’ve been told to open your eyes.

I try to avoid them if at all possible.

Full enlightenment can be achieved in many different ways. It can be a punishment just as soon as a gift.

*This is a Deere. 
Take a look, this one has a bottle.

I woke on a bridge. Savannah was dead. She was slumped against the passenger’s door. I was sweating, my head was spinning. We were surrounded by cars but their engines were dead. None of them were moving.
Everyone was dead. 

As I stepped from the car I felt like I was falling. 

*You’ve encountered a Moose. How do you wish to proceed?

I think I’ll just keep my eyes to myself.

You’ve encountered a Ghost, it’s best to keep your eyes to yourself. If you look at it, it might look at you.  

Would you like a Ghost peering into your soul?

The Shadow of a Tree is reflecting something small with wings. You look up, and spot two small birds of prey. They’re letting you look. Would you like anything more than to simply look? Do you feel safe beyond looking? Move on; these birds are peaceful, you’ve seen them. You know they exist.

You’ve spotted a Rose. It’s bright red. Do you like it?

It’s a nice flower. It’s bright red. I like it. It doesn’t belong to me, I am obliged simply to admire it briefly, and move on.

Registered

Titlehouse Print Works

New York, New York

The Standard Reserve International