Faces in the Water

I promise him
It won't hurt,
So long as he
Does it quickly enough.
His eyes glisten with fear,
And I smile as a comfort.
The wars in his head
Have raged long enough,
And he is ready
For some peace.
A tear escapes my eye
As I tell him
There's nothing wrong with him.
Does he believe me?
I can't be sure.
He tells me
He's been lying to me;
He swears he isn't
Strong enough.
He says darkness
Is encroaching,
Choking him.
Does he know
I understand?

I promise him
He will be at peace
Soon enough.
The chaos in his mind
Will be gone,
And all will be
Quiet.

I tell him
There's nothing wrong with him,
This is natural.
This is necessary.
I tell him to hold out
Just a little longer.
It will all be finished
Soon.