The Final Cut

Searing pain
was it the
last thing remembered
or merely
an artifact of memory
fading
as the last vestiges of life
once quite real
slipped away
at the shuffling off
of this mortal coil
as electrical activity
in neurons and axons
cease to function

sterile tools
slicing through flesh
like talons fashioned from
stainless steel and
other rare elements
sharpened to an impossible edge
cutting without resistance
through anything
unfortunate enough
to find its way
in front of the devouring blade

pain remains
but now
as real as it seems
as real as it is
it only continues
for those who remain
sitting alone
or with friends and family
in muted rooms
shades drawn
as people whisper
neighbours bringing over
unwanted meals
cards of sympathy
arriving in the mail

as flesh that once was warm
is deliberately chilled
carved with a practiced hand
each organ removed and
weighed
carefully dissected
examined for disease
or other clues
blood vessels
transected and
analysed
samples collected
but now
there is no blood flowing
none left to spill

blades move with swift
determination
discovering what inner truths
seek to hide
waiting to be revealed …
but nothing remains concealed
from these prying eyes
searching
for truth
as the pathologist
completes their work.