Progression to Death's Door

Inch.
The tunnel far too short,
My life far too long.

Crawl.
Death sings my soul a lullaby,
Whispers it here.
Deny, Deny!
It is all untrue!

Wander.
I will not,
I cannot!
It is all deception and lies!
My life is mine to live
Not give.

Stride.
I see it now.
There is nowhere to hide.
So much left undone,
So much left to say.
How should I tell them?

Jog.
I have got to go,
But they will not hear.
I will not hold
Or wait for them.
I must go
while I still can fight,
And leave
While I still am me.

Sprint.
I see it there!
Oh, so close!
I cannot reach it fast enough!
Let me leave in peace
With smiles and memories.
Let me go.

Goodbye.
Let the door
Not be my exit,
But my entrance.
I die to live
As I once lived for life.
Goodbye.