13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Altered Images
Abismo de Tormento

When I first found myself in this place, I was lost and scared. I still am. All that I know and surrounds me is dark, falling apart, and so cold. I always feel a presence behind me. It follows me everywhere, hovering over me, tormenting me. Could it be a demonic spirit or is it my own thoughts attacking me through the isolation I’m facing. Is this a nightmare? It surely must be, only they should feel so insufferable and agonizing, but I think I know it’s not. My senses are so hazy. I’m trembling. I don’t feel happiness here and I just can’t seem to be able to escape. But how can I know what happiness is, it’s just a long forgotten memory now. I just feel pain, mostly in my heart. The pain is not passing but my happiness did a long time ago. At least I know I’m alive. You can only feel pain if you’re alive. Even if daily I wake up to find myself discontent, surrounded by moldy decaying ruins. Should this make me feel happiness?

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2014
Date Uploaded: 06.2015
Photo Location: Tacoma, Washington, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D3200
Copyright: © Julian Zavala