Home to MARS

hot metallic fumes fill the air
lights blink sequentially
invisible forces unite with heavy burdens on contoured synthetic leather
focus beyond human reality

a bead of sweat trickles to the eye
stinging momentarily it races straight back toward the ear
white knuckles hold firmly to tiny controls
feet bound by harsh metal straps
vibration strong enough to sever organs

breathe, pause, concentrate
blood flows to necessary extremities
muscles flex and spasm
vision tunnels tightly and opens to bright burning light

time freezes
silence enters deafened ears
heavy burdens lifted
a flutter of peace

soft humming begins
life oxygen evacuates stale heat
breathe, relax, enjoy
a voyage begins