Perish or Prosper

Trapped in a cell of my own making.

Day indistinguishable from night,

Dirt floor and stone walls surrounded.

Torches exposed a hopeless existence.

“You create your own freedom.” Truth revealed.

“How?”

“Through the water.”

A reservoir appeared.

Time passed, duration undetermined.

“Your life waits for you.” Truth urged.

Trembling hands gripped a rocky ledge.

Body submerged. Nose held. Head dunked.

An informal baptism.

A tunnel presented.

I resurfaced, wanting guarantees.

“I can’t.”

“You can.”

Terrified, I climb out,

And retreat to the safety of my cell.