Asylum

I’ve been warned to avoid prison.
But what of the prison that lies within me.
I could’ve never expected to become what I am.
What is this place?

As I trudge through the corridors, I witness unforgettable horrors.
There are cages lining the walls.
Inside of them are the bodies of people I love.
As I stare through the bars, I realize the bodies have decomposed.
Tears fall from my eyes as I stare at the best friend I ever had; I never got to say goodbye.

I want to stop walking, but I can’t.
It’s as if I’ve been possessed.
In front of me is a staircase shrouded in shadow.
Voices cry out as I descend.

They all sound like me, and they’re all barking orders.
“They’re your friends; you can’t let them suffer!” yells one.
“No, forsake them before they betray you!” howls another.
“You must remain calm!” shouts a third voice.
“Forget him; make them all feel your pain!” shrieks a forth.

Finally there is light.
I find myself in a room full of cages like those in the corridors.
Here I see it; those voices were coming from me.
Hundreds of cages, inside all of them, beings that appear to be gaunt versions of myself.

As I reach the back wall of the room there is a lone body covered in blood and wearing a mask.
I remove the mask to find that the body is none other than mine.
Above it, painted in blood are the words “You failed them all; you failed yourself.”
I would’ve never dreamed my tomb would be my own mind.
Here I lay, dead inside of my own creation, my asylum.