323. Anxiety

 Heart-racing and thumping
   I can feel it but
   can't control it.
The breath shortens, it's hard
   to catch it.
I feel it all bubbling within
   unsure of when it will 
   overflow or worse yet, 
   explode
I close my eyes, take some deep 
   breaths, focus on a calm
   image
Maybe my head feels clear but
   body feels otherwise
   In fact my body betrays me
No amount of rational thought
   can slow down the speed
   at which things move right now
Close my eyes
Breathe in slowly
Hold my breath
Exhale
My heart still races - the flutter
   doesn't stop
Eyes
Breath
Hold
Exhale
Repeat