The Long Gasp

A sudden ragged intake
and the light comes on
each scene unraveling
piercing, tearing, shattering
like bullets from
a projector's gun
each more haunting than the last
Will they stand and applaud,
life's cast,
from the acts of your past?
It's time - but you're not ready
clutching the folds of consciousness
as the curtain of breath falls.