I stand alone and take in the scene.

What could have happened? What could it mean?

In front of me is darkness, a path winding down.

Behind me a bright light is to be found.

Is this destiny, or my choice to make?

If this is a dream, I’d sure like to wake.

The wind is cold, and it bites at my skin.

Light starts to dwindle just a few steps within.

Ice hangs like daggers, clinging just overhead.

Claustrophobia sets in and fills me with dread.

The ground is uneven. The surface is slick.

The smell of sulfur begins to get thick.

I could turn around and go back to the light.

The world behind me is still within sight.

But the warmth from below is drawing me in.

My descent to uncertainty is bound to begin.

I strip off my coat then toss it aside.

The air is getting warmer with each step inside.

The stone walls all around me are ancient and strong.

There’s something about this place, something feels wrong.

My throat tightens; a chill runs down my spine.

The choice to turn back is no longer mine.

My lungs start to burn with each breath I take.

Sweat beads down my forehead, my hands start to shake.

My heart is pounding, and my hair stands on end.

Reality as I know it is starting to bend.

Steam hisses out in a steady stream.

As though the stone tries to scream.

How long have I been here? Hours or years?

Just a few steps more, confirms my fears.

Those who knew me, they might grieve.

And me? I know now that I’ll never leave.

The light above can no longer be seen.

I understand now what it must mean.

Alone I stand in this rigid stone cell.

My descent is complete.

I’m standing in Hell.