screws

one
I feel pressure behind my eyes as the first screw is tightened.
two
My spine straightens, sending chills down to my feet.
three
Fists clench and unclench in spasms.
four
Lungs fill with air, forcing cold liquid out of my mouth.
five
The shock of oxygen pounds my heart into beating.
six
Colors blaze across my field of vision; sounds assault my eardrums.
seven
A guttural cry begins within me, rising to my lips.
eight
I remember… a foe.
nine
I remember hatred.
ten
I am ready.