Fingers trembling on a timid trigger

ready to aim,

ready to fire.

Eyes closing on a sacred vow

ready to shatter,

ready to fire.

A lifetime flashing before scarred eyes

ready to surrender,

ready to fire.

Family weeping over faded photos,

not ready to mourn,

ready to—

Dread burning in unanswered calls

not ready to talk,

ready to—

Tears raining into an open casket

not ready to go,

ready to-

Fear mounting in unrealized futures

ready to fracture,

ready to—

Trepidation building in anxious doubts

ready to collapse,

ready to—

ready…

to…

Click.

Safety engaged.

Fingers hesitating on a timid trigger

ready to aim,

not ready to fire.